Wu Ming-hsien Worries About Record-Low Internal Medicine Residency Recruitment; Ministry of Health and Welfare Considering Payment Adjustments

(CNA reporter Shen Pei-yao, Taipei, June 25) Before falling ill, Wu Ming-hsien, president of National Taiwan University College of Medicine, was concerned about the national recruitment rate for internal medicine residents this year, which hit a record low of 61%. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) emphasized today that official statistics are based on those who report for duty and begin training in August, and that adjustments to National Health Insurance (NHI) payments are being discussed to implement "unequal pay for unequal work."

Wu Ming-hsien served as the superintendent of National Taiwan University Hospital from August 2020 to July 2025, and has been the president of the National Taiwan University College of Medicine since August 2025. He was reported to be in critical condition on the 23rd. NTUH confirmed that Wu Ming-hsien was first taken from his home to Taipei Medical University Hospital for treatment, then transferred to NTUH for rescue. His detailed condition cannot be disclosed to the public, but it is understood that he is currently in the intensive care unit.

As the chairman of the Taiwan Society of Internal Medicine, Wu Ming-hsien posted on Facebook before falling ill, mentioning that the society had received news confirming that the national recruitment rate for internal medicine residents this year was only 61%. "This is not just a number, but the first chill felt on the front lines of healthcare," he worried that without enough internal medicine physicians, the future medical system would be difficult to sustain. He called on the government to pay attention, improve treatment, provide reasonable payments, and establish a support system to make internal medicine a profession worth investing in.

Regarding Wu Ming-hsien's appeal, Liu Yu-ching, deputy director of the MOHW's Bureau of Medical Affairs, said today that the MOHW "still has some reservations" about the figures. Normally, after medical graduates complete their specialty applications, training for each specialty begins in August. The most accurate time to determine the actual number of trainees is after people report for duty, and the MOHW usually surveys the numbers in August.

Liu Yu-ching stated that Wu Ming-hsien, as the chairman of the Taiwan Society of Internal Medicine, might have access to recruitment data reported by some hospitals. The recruitment rate for internal medicine has been around 85% to 90% in the past 3 to 5 years. If this year's data has indeed declined, it would be a major "warning sign." Preliminary contact has been made with the Taiwan Society of Internal Medicine, asking the society to conduct an in-depth investigation into the reasons behind this year's abnormal drop in data.

Liu Yu-ching pointed out that the MOHW closely monitors the manpower of all specialties, especially the foundational departments related to the operation of the medical system, such as "internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and emergency medicine." In 2016, the MOHW restarted the public-funded physician program for key specialties. After completion, they are required to serve for 6 to 10 years depending on the situation.

As for Wu Ming-hsien's call for corresponding payments for more demanding specialties, Liu Yu-ching emphasized that President Lai Ching-te and Minister of Health and Welfare Shieh Jhy-wey have both publicly stated that NHI payments should gradually move towards "unequal pay for unequal work." Adjustments will be made for specialties that are more difficult or have complex treatment procedures. The NHI Administration has been continuously reviewing this matter. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150625

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