TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A top health official announced on Thursday (Jan. 2) that the Ministry of Health and Welfare's (MOHW, 衛福部) plans to incorporate community resources into its "resilient medical care" initiative, mobilizing over 8,800 community pharmacies during wartime to assist with wound care.
Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀) claimed that strengthening grassroots capabilities is crucial to the MOHW's mission. MOHW is enhancing its medical resilience strategy to address complex disasters such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. Lin emphasized the global trend toward societal resilience, noting that North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European Union (EU) member countries require internal mechanisms to manage significant disasters.
Lin explained that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted medical supply chains, underscoring the importance of bolstering medical resilience. She noted that attention to this issue was already a global focus before the pandemic. MOHW must ensure the stability of medical supply chains, enhance professional skills among medical personnel, and regularly inventory essential medications and trauma resources.