Confronting Human Nature: Pragmatic Healthcare Reform—What Taiwanese Citizens Should Know About National Health Insurance (To be published on 2024/9/10)
For more details: https://sharing.com.tw/product/index/5ND07

[Book Features]
“Without desire, one becomes strong; everything depends on human effort; walking on thin ice, we create new opportunities.”
In 2012, when I assumed the role of Director at the Ministry of Health and Welfare Tainan Hospital, my youngest son gifted me the phrase in the title. In 2023, as I concluded my 6 years and 8 months as Director-General of the National Health Insurance Administration, my eldest son reminded me that the duration of my service doesn’t matter; what matters is whether I did the job well. This book is a collaboration between me and Shuren, discussing the ins and outs of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system and many healthcare truths. It is worth reflection by healthcare colleagues, the public health academia, and the people of Taiwan.

Theoretically, the “profession” of a healthcare worker allows them to alleviate patients’ pain and suffering, making acts of kindness a fulfilling way of life. The “Healthy Taiwan” initiative by the Lai administration should pragmatically confront human nature and issues, allowing the National Health Insurance system to be reborn. When peers in the medical system can embrace a sense of achievement in a truly happy work environment, the people of Taiwan will be able to enjoy the highest quality of health and longevity!

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[Author Biography]
Lee Bozhang

Chair Professor, School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University
Professor of Surgery, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University
Director, Health and Welfare Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University
Consultant Physician, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University

Education:

• B.S., College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University (1972-1979)
• Surgical Research Fellow, UCLA, USA (1984-1985)
• Transplant Surgery Research Fellow, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan (1995-1996)
• Master of Technology Law, National Cheng Kung University (2005-2007)

Experience:

• Director-General, National Health Insurance Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare (May 20, 2016 – January 30, 2023)
• Chairman, Taiwan Organ Registry and Sharing Center (2011-2020)
• Director, Ministry of Health and Welfare Tainan Hospital (2012-2016)
• President, Taiwan Society of Transplantation (2008-2011)
• Professor of Surgery, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University (2001-present)
• Director of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital (2004-2007)
• Visiting Scholar, University of Minnesota (1995)
• Visiting Scholar, Johns Hopkins University (1995)
• Visiting Scholar, National Cancer Center, Japan (1994)

Main Research Areas:
Kidney transplantation, general surgery, organ donation promotion, and advocacy
National Health Insurance policy planning, promotion, and management

Notable Achievements:

• 2023: Lifetime Achievement Award, Taiwan Society of Transplantation
• 2019: Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award, National Cheng Kung University
• 2018: Top 10 Managers, Manager Today Magazine 100 MVP Awards
• 2017: Special Contribution Award, 27th Medical Contribution Awards
• 2013: Taiwan Medical Model Award, National Union of Medical Associations
• 2013: Distinguished Alumni Award, Taipei Medical University

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Lee Shuren

Education:

• B.A. in Journalism, National Chengchi University
• M.A. in Journalism, Chinese Culture University

Experience:

• TVBS News Editor (1996)
• Medical Reporter, United Evening News
• Head of Medical Section, Health and Wellness Center, United Daily News

Awards:

• Fo Guang Shan True, Good, and Beautiful Journalism Award (2019 Young Talent Award for the series “Secrets in the Operating Room”)
• Excellence in Journalism Award (SARS first case; HIV military school student Ali)
• Wu Shun-wen Journalism Award (Children Abuse Tragedy)
• Positive Reporting Award (The Forgotten Story—Dementia Issues)
• Consumer Rights Reporting Award (Dental Implant Issues, NTUH Dialysis Tube Incident)
• CDC Epidemic Prevention Reporting Award (HIV Prevention, Dengue Fever Prevention)
• Rotary Public Welfare Journalism Golden Wheel Award (Pediatric Disease Prevention, Hepatitis C Village Investigation)
• Medical Reporting Award from the Medical Association (Three-time first-prize winner in Print and Online Group)
• Pharmaceutical Reporting Award from the Pharmacists Association (Everyday Heroes of Pharmacy During the Epidemic)
• Dermatology Medical Society Journalism Award

Publications:

• “This is How Famous Doctors Treat Patients” (Linking Publishing)
• “A Century of Protecting Lives” (CDC Taiwan Quarantine Bicentennial Book)
• “Love Others and Yourself, Together in the Same Boat” (CDC AIDS Prevention Book)
• “Looking Back at SARS” (Obani Foundation, Interview with Li Mingliang)
• “Fifty Years of Peacekeeping—The Invisible Wings Protecting the Health of Taiwanese Citizens” (United Daily News, The Story of Medicine)