【Media Interview】Heho Everyone says health─No worries are the real health! Authoritative doctor Li Bozhang: Only by creating a happy working environment for medical staff can we provide high-quality medical care

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Date: June 4, 2025
Author: Hong-Lun Chiang

“Heho Talks Health” presents Q&A sessions with experts to offer the public a more humanized perspective beyond professional knowledge. By exploring experts’ life stories, personal mottos, and views on health, the series allows audiences to connect with the human side of professionals and build a deeper understanding.

Q1: How do you view the concept of “health”? What does being truly healthy mean to you?

Professor Lee Po-Chang:
I believe health is a goal that everyone strives for. Whether it’s physical, mental, or spiritual well-being, we should aim for a perfect balance where we can live without worries or burdens. That, to me, is true health.

Q2: When you’re under a lot of stress, how do you usually relieve it?

Professor Lee Po-Chang:
When I’m stressed, I think the key is not to overthink. I try to eliminate the pressure from within. One of the best ways is simply to talk to someone. However, some kinds of stress ultimately need to be dealt with on your own. Sometimes, even if you talk to someone, they may not fully understand your state of mind or be able to help resolve your issues.

Q3: Do you have any hobbies? How do you usually spend your time?

Professor Lee Po-Chang:
When I first started learning golf, some senior players said I had real potential. At one point, I was the best player in the National Cheng Kung University Medical Center. I even considered becoming a professional golfer. Now, I regularly play every week. Our team is called the “GOLF Holiday Pro Masters HAPPY Team.”
In terms of lifestyle, I’m pretty easygoing. I enjoy a bit of alcohol and good food—especially Japanese cuisine, which I really love. Sharing drinks and food with friends is one of the most joyful parts of life.

Q4: What is your life motto or personal philosophy?

Professor Lee Po-Chang:
I believe in “living in the moment” because things don’t always go the way you want them to. There are too many entanglements in this society. The best way is to simply do your best every day. Of course, life needs a plan to add value to your time, but we shouldn’t force things—just live step by step. That’s the simplest and best way to live, in my opinion.

Q5: Is there anyone in your life you are especially thankful for?

Professor Lee Po-Chang:
I am deeply thankful to my family—my wife and two children—who have been a major source of support in my life. I also thank my parents, even though they have passed away, for taking care of me. My older brother and sister also supported me a lot during my education and career development.

Q6: For viewers currently facing illness, especially cancer, what words of encouragement would you offer?

Professor Lee Po-Chang:
No one can guarantee they won’t get sick. Especially when diagnosed with cancer, don’t be afraid. In addition to the support of family, it’s crucial to seek reliable knowledge about the disease and have open conversations with your doctor to determine what treatment is best for you. Trusting medical professionals is important, and we shouldn’t avoid our own responsibilities. Ultimately, living well and happily is a decision that lies in your own hands.

Q7: What is your view on the current problems of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system and its direction for reform?

Professor Lee Po-Chang:
The current health insurance ecosystem is actually in a dangerous state. I believe we need to invest more effort in chronic disease care and encourage healthcare professionals to help the public improve their health management. We also need to promote personal responsibility in self-health care.
Although many in the medical field feel the NHI budget is insufficient, we should cut down on unnecessary medical procedures and reallocate those resources to ensure fair compensation for healthcare workers.

Having been in charge of Taiwan’s NHI, I’m very concerned about the medical ecosystem. Government officials have their own considerations when making decisions, but I believe health insurance reform must include a clear implementation of a tiered healthcare system, separation of prescribing and dispensing, and appropriate user co-payments.
More importantly, we must create a work environment where healthcare professionals feel happy and fulfilled—only then can we deliver truly high-quality medical services. That is my hope for the future of our health insurance system.

Written, photographed, and video by: Jiang Hong-Lun
Original source (in Chinese): https://heho.com.tw/archives/357282