TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Health Promotion Administration (HPA, 國健署) Director-general Wu Chao-chun (吳昭軍) announced his departure at July's end amid mounting controversy. Anti-smoking advocacy groups accused Wu of inappropriately favoring tobacco companies through his approval of heated tobacco products before leaving office. Wu firmly rejected these allegations, defending the comprehensive review process and reaffirming his unwavering commitment to smoking reduction and harm reduction policies.
Taiwan's Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (菸害防制法), enacted over two years ago, prohibited e-cigarettes while establishing strict regulatory frameworks for new tobacco products. The Health Promotion Administration recently granted conditional approval to two companies for 14 tobacco-related items, sparking immediate controversy. Anti-smoking advocacy organizations voiced strong dissatisfaction with the decision's timing, questioning whether Wu deliberately expedited approvals before his scheduled departure from the agency.
Wu mounted a vigorous defense of his administrative decisions, asserting that any improper favoritism toward tobacco companies would have resulted in his imprisonment years ago. He sharply criticized what he characterized as speculative accusations, emphasizing that the comprehensive review process extended over two years and precluded hasty decision-making. Wu reaffirmed the agency's unwavering commitment to lawful administration and respectful engagement with civic advocacy groups while categorically dismissing the allegations as baseless.
Wu reinforced the administration's fundamental policy framework, centering on smoking reduction and harm reduction as the agency's guiding principle for tobacco regulation. He provided public assurances that future initiatives would significantly strengthen testing protocols and monitoring systems for heated tobacco products. The outgoing director emphasized continuity in Taiwan's public health approach despite the leadership transition and ongoing regulatory controversies. ◼