The Executive Yuan (Cabinet) recently established a project office to launch a 3-year plan to globalize Taiwan's medical services sector which is anticipated to generate US$121.12 million in value and attract private investment of approximately US$206.06 million in spin-off industries.
Because of Taiwan's strong technology sector, the plan will focus on development of medical services such as liver trans-plantation, cardiovascular surgery, ectogenesis, joint replacements and other areas in addition to the medical tourism services. The global market value of medical services reached US$200 billion to US$300 billion in 2005. The sector is expected to provide services to about 800,000 people per year eventually.
Taiwan's universal healthcare system enjoys:
1) High public satisfaction rating of 70%;
2) 97% population coverage;
3) The world's second healthiest country (EIU 2000);
4) One of the lowest administrative cost ratios; and,
5) One of the most equitable shar-ing of public healthcare costs in the world (World Health Organization, World Health Report 2000, Geneva, 2000).
Established by foreign missionaries in the 19thy century, Taiwan hospitals have developed significantly and people now have access to a broad range of public and private facilities. The stewardship of public health continues to rank as a top government priority. Technoloacal advancements have assisted not only in improving administrative and operational efficiency but in promoting patient care for the populace as well as disaster relief throughout the world.
There is widespread consensus that healthcare requires international cooperation since infections and many health risks are common concerns. From 18th to 20th of November 2007, the Department of Health will be sponsoring a Global Forum for Health Leaders. The Taiwan government is also increasing international humanitarian aid and diplomacy as it continues to seek admission to the World Health Organization.
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