TAIPEI (TVBS News)—The deputy health minister clarified on Sunday (Jan. 19) that the "Resilient National Medical Preparedness Program" (韌性國家醫療整備計畫) is managed by the Taiwan Surgical Association (台灣外科醫學會) and the Formosa Association for the Surgery of Trauma (台灣外 and is醫學會) and is not tailored for Kuma Academy (黑熊學院).
Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀) emphasized the program's independence from Kuma Academy amid growing political scrutiny. Kuomintang (國民黨) Legislator Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇) questioned the program's ties to Kuma Academy and proposed a budget cut of NT$100 million from the National Fire Agency's (消防署) funding.
Lin, an obstetrician-gynecologist, expressed her satisfaction with the surgical resilience training and reiterated its separation from the academy. She criticized those who accused the program without verification, mentioning a temporary crash of the trauma association's website.
Deputy Health Minister Lu Chien-te (呂建德) warned that budget cuts by the Legislative Yuan (立法院) could harm vulnerable groups. He urged legislators to support community-based long-term care initiatives. As the debate continues, the ministry's defense of the program underscores the complexities of healthcare funding and political accountability in Taiwan.
