TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is mounting an ambitious effort to address its healthcare staffing challenges as President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) unveiled a sweeping four-year initiative to strengthen the island's nursing profession during a video address to the "2025 International Nurses Day Joint Celebration Conference" (114年國際護師節聯合慶祝大會) on Wednesday (May 7). The comprehensive nursing enhancement program, launched in 2024, represents a substantial government investment of NT$27.5 billion (US$909 million) spread across 12 strategic measures designed to fortify Taiwan's nursing infrastructure amid growing healthcare demands.
In a formal statement issued by the Presidential Office (總統府), Lai conveyed his deep appreciation to nursing professionals throughout the island for their vital contributions to public health protection and the continued advancement of Taiwan's internationally recognized medical system. The president underscored the fundamental importance of nursing within the broader healthcare ecosystem, noting that his administration's focus on strengthening the profession resonates perfectly with the core message of this year's International Nurses Day global theme.
The president detailed how his administration has prioritized nursing sector enhancement since taking office on May 20, 2024, implementing a multifaceted approach targeting improvements in professional education pathways, licensing examination processes, recruitment strategies, and compensation structures. Lai outlined several ongoing initiatives within the broader framework, including expanded financial incentives and targeted subsidies for nursing professionals, the development of evidence-based patient care standards, strategic workforce expansion programs, and the integration of artificial intelligence technologies to support clinical nursing practice and reduce administrative burdens.
During his address, President Lai emphasized that Taiwan has already implemented monitoring mechanisms and financial incentives to maintain appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals nationwide, with plans to strengthen these standards through formal legislation in the near future. The president identified workplace environment enhancement as a critical factor in delivering superior healthcare outcomes, expressing his vision for continued partnership between nursing professionals and government agencies to advance his administration's "Healthy Taiwan" initiative — a comprehensive strategy to improve public health outcomes and healthcare delivery systems throughout the island. ★
