TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's public health centers are facing a chronic shortage of doctors, impacting healthcare access nationwide. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of unstaffed centers soared from 38 in 2014 to 71 in 2022.
"The director must offer services across various specialties," said Lin Hui-ping, chief secretary of the Department of Health in New Taipei City. "Without the necessary training, particularly in remote areas, he faces additional constraints when seeking support from other specialists, delaying immediate service to the public."
Wu Kuo-chi, standing director of the Taiwan Medical Association, highlighted Taiwan's healthcare is not uniformly spread. "The uneven distribution primarily is mainly found in remote villages, public health centers, and underprivileged departments in big hospitals like pediatrics, where professionals see no future," he said.
The pandemic has aggravated the situation, intensifying the urge for many doctors to leave their posts. "During the pandemic, the situation was especially hard, making many people want to leave," added Wu.
Many physicians in public health centers receive government funding during their studies, but systemic inefficiencies discourage long-term commitment. The government had initiated a physician training system as far back as 1975 but suspended it in 2009. Although it was revived in 2016, a mandatory ten-year service commitment could deter students who originally intended to apply for the program.
To remedy the situation, healthcare experts and officials advocate for increased incentives and job security for doctors. Long-term planning and a comprehensive reassessment of the current situation are critical to tackle this issue effectively.