TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW, 衛福部) announced on Thursday (March 6) that the number of patients awaiting hospitalization and intensive care is gradually decreasing, amid growing concerns about congestion in Taiwan's emergency departments.
Deputy Minister Chou Jih-haw (周志浩) advised that individuals experiencing discomfort should seek treatment at nearby facilities to alleviate the pressure on emergency services. He highlighted recent efforts by the ministry to enhance bed allocation at medical centers, improve coordination among regional hospitals, and refine tiered medical information systems, all while keeping a close watch on the situation.
Beyond these immediate steps, Chou outlined two long-term reform strategies: increasing nursing staff readiness and potentially adjusting Health Insurance payments. These initiatives are designed to tackle hospital overcrowding issues more effectively. On Feb. 22, the Taiwan Society of Emergency Medicine (台灣急診醫學會) issued a statement highlighting a severe shortage of emergency personnel. They warned of potential mass resignations among nursing staf
