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Advancing mental health care: Taiwan’s new policy directions
President-elect Lai Ching-te’s mental health proposals have gained recognition from the medical community in Taiwan. The Taiwan Health Movement Alliance praises Lai’s initiatives, such as the "Mental Health Plan for Young People" and "Mental Health Leave," emphasizing the importance of mental health support and early intervention. Experts recommend adopting treatment guidelines from Europe and America, focusing on psychological interventions over medication. They also suggest establishing child and adolescent psychiatry centers and promoting integrated treatment models. Lai’s advocacy for physical and mental health, along with stress management education, is seen as crucial for building a healthy Taiwan.2024/04/01 18:25 -
Hou recalls hostage crisis, vows better mental health aid
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong recounted their first encounter during Taiwan’s 1998 bus hostage crisis. Hou, who was the deputy director of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at the time, was tasked with negotiating with the armed hostage-taker, Chen Neng-ping, who had schizophrenia. Hou discovered that Chen had two snipers on standby and successfully defused the situation with the assistance of Jaw and then-legislator Hau Lung-bin. Hou, who established mental health centers during his tenure in New Taipei City, pledged to prioritize mental health policies if elected president, particularly for the youth demographic.2023/12/04 13:58