Lai addresses Nobel Health Care Forum in Taipei

賴總統在台北諾貝爾大健康論壇上發表言論

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Sunday said Taiwan’s achievements in healthcare are rooted in cross-border collaboration and a commitment to diversity in smart healthcare solutions as he delivered the opening address at the 19th Nobel Health Care Forum in Taipei, per CNA.

Lai said his NT$48.9 billion (US$1.5 billion) Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan, launched last year, leverages smart healthcare to improve clinical processes and boost efficiency across the medical system. He said that within a year of its launch, 197 grants totaling NT$2.94 billion were awarded to frontline medical institutions to adopt advanced smart healthcare technologies.

Lai said the government’s health promotion efforts come as Taiwan’s average life expectancy continues to rise, now exceeding 80 years. However, he noted that the average number of unhealthy years stands at 8.4, meaning roughly 10% of a person’s lifespan may be spent in poor health and potentially require long-term care.

“The goal is not only to help people live longer but to live healthier lives for as long as possible,” Lai said.

He said the five-year plan aims to cultivate medical talent and improve the overall healthcare environment, providing medical professionals with broader service opportunities while raising the quality of care for the public.

Lai also highlighted major government investments in technology and artificial intelligence, with a target of cultivating 500,000 AI professionals by 2040. He said the National Center for High-Performance Computing is already operational at the Hsinchu Science Park, while the National AI Data Center is expected to begin operations soon in Shalun, Tainan.

Lai added that recent amendments to the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry Development Act include expanded measures to retain and recruit talent, as well as enhanced tax credits for investment and research and development equipment.

Lai said semiconductors and information and communications technology remain Taiwan’s core strengths, but the integration of healthcare and technology has the potential to become the country’s next major pillar of development.

“This is a powerful alliance,” Lai said, adding that the government will work closely with all sectors to realize that goal.