On March 15 2024, on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han, Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-jung of the Legislative Yuan attended at 10 a.m. the inauguration of Republic of China (Taiwan) International Medicine and Health Amity Association, convened by Legislator Su Ching-chuan. Also in attendance were KMT caucus convener Fu Kun-chi; Legislators Ting Hsueh-chung, Wang Yu-min, Wu Tsung-hsien, Wang Hung-wei, Niu Hsu-ting, Lu Yu-ling, Lin Te-fu, Lin Pei-hsiang, Lin Szu-ming, Lin Chien-chi, Hung Mong-kai, Ma Wen-chun, Chiu Cheng-chun, Ko Chih-en, Hsu Chiao-hsin, Hsu Hsin-ying, Tu Chuan-chi, Weng Hsiao-ling, Chang Chih-lun, Chen Yu-jen, Chen Yeong-kang, Chen Chao-ming, Chen Ching-hui, Yu Hao, Huang Chien-pin, Wan Mei-ling, Ko Ju-chun, Cheng Cheng-chien, Liao Wei-hsiang, Lu Hsien-yi, Hsien Lung-chieh, Yen Kuan-heng, Lo Ming-tsai, Lo Ting-wei, Lo Chih-chiang; Deputy Minister Wang Pi-sheng of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW); Deputy Minister Ruan Jhao-syong of Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC); Deputy Director General Wu Chu-chun of Department of NGO International Affairs and Deputy Director General Kuan Yu-chun of the Office of Parliamentarian Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); representatives of the healthcare industry were President Dr. Chou Ching-ming of Taiwan Medical Association (TMA); Secretary-General Wu Ming-yen of Taiwan Non-governmental Hospitals and Clinics Association (NHCA); Honorary Chairperson Yang Han-chuan of Taiwan Hospital Association; Chairperson Chu Yi-hong of Taiwan Community Hospital Association (TCHA); Chairperson Chang Chao-kai of Taiwan International Medical and Health Industry Association .

The inauguration commenced with group photos taken with all the attending legislators and guests, followed by an opening remark by Convener Su, who identified each and every one of the guests present. Later on, Deputy Secretary-General Chang made his address on behalf of the Legislative Yuan. Chang expressed that it was an honor to attend the grand event on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han. He extended his gratitude to Convener Su for forming this Association, which could promote exchanges in medicine and healthcare between Taiwan and members of Parliament from other nations as well as government authorities of all levels around the world. In addition to boosting Taiwan’s legislative diplomacy, this Association could also facilitate the exchange of experiences and increase international collaboration in healthcare, which, in turn, could lead to more comprehensive policies and regulations for Taiwan’s medical and healthcare system.

Deputy Secretary-General Chang continued to point out that Taiwan has earned global recognition for its healthcare system; experiences in combating severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) decades ago and COVID-19 in recent years were all successful cases in disease prevention. These are all examples of Taiwan’s medical diplomacy that greatly increased its visibility on the world stage. It is believed that in the future, Republic of China (Taiwan) International Medicine and Health Amity Association, led by Convener Su, could serve as a platform to increase Taiwan’s global collaborations in healthcare!

In closing, Deputy Secretary-General Chang wished for smooth operation of the Association in the future, a great success to the inauguration, and good health and great fortune to the legislators and guests present. Should there be any administrative support required, the Legislative Yuan will spare no effort to assist.

Later on, remarks were also given by Legislators Chen Yu-jen and Wang Yu-min; Deputy Minister Wang of the MOHW, Deputy Minister Ruan of OCAC, and Deputy Director General Wu of the Department of NGO International Affairs under the MOFA. With Convener Su presiding over the meeting, the organizational charter of the Association was passed and its president and vice presidents were elected. The event concluded after 45 minutes, with remarks also by representatives of the healthcare industry including President Dr. Chou of TMA, Secretary-General Wu of NHCA, Honorary Chairperson Yang of Taiwan Hospital Association, Chairperson Chu of TCHA, and Chairperson Chang of Taiwan International Medical and Health Industry Association.