Concerns over emergency room overcrowding have prompted the Legislature to hold a special committee meeting on Thursday, featuring a report on nationwide critical care capacity by Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源).
Chiu noted that since February 8, the Ministry has convened five meetings with experts from national medical associations, medical centers, and local health departments to develop solutions. These discussions have led to short- and long-term reform plans, including better hospital bed coordination, enhanced regional hospital collaboration, improved public awareness of healthcare triage, strengthened nursing workforce preparedness, and incentives for hospitals to expand critical care services.
During a hospital budget review meeting on Wednesday, the National Health Insurance (NHI) approved a four-point plan to increase critical care reimbursements, allocating an additional NT$4.25 billion (US$129 million) for implementation in May. Additionally, Chiu stated that the Cabinet had approved a 12-point strategy last year to strengthen the nursing workforce, with NT$6.685 billion (US$203 million) earmarked in this year’s budget, including incentives for nursing staff.
The Health Ministry had previously reported that the average salary for nursing staff across 455 hospitals in Taiwan could reach NT$70,000 (US$2,124), sparking backlash from frontline medical workers who disputed the figures. In response, Chiu clarified that the reported amount includes bonuses and year-end payments as part of total income. He acknowledged the need for further salary improvements and pledged to work toward resolving the issue.