Wang Chih-Hsiung's Perspective: From Chen Shih-Chung to Shih Chong-Liang, the Ministry of Health and Welfare Is Neither Hygienic Nor Principled

Recently, news emerged that Tzu Chi was defrauded of ten billion New Taiwan dollars while attempting to purchase BNT vaccines during the pandemic, reigniting public memories of the DPP government's politicized approach to pandemic control. As the highest authority responsible for safeguarding national health and welfare, Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has long been expected to uphold professionalism and independence. However, from former Minister Chen Shih-Chung to current Minister Shih Chong-Liang, the MOHW's performance on major policies and controversial incidents has repeatedly drawn sharp criticism for being "neither hygienic nor principled." This has not only eroded public trust in the government but also tarnished the MOHW's professional image.

Former MOHW Minister Chen Shih-Chung gained fame during the pandemic as head of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). Yet, many of his decisions in office were controversial, particularly the procurement of the Medigen vaccine and the "3+11" quarantine policy. The Medigen vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) without completing Phase III clinical trials and was subsequently purchased in large quantities by the government, raising widespread concerns about its safety, efficacy, and procurement transparency. Despite Chen and his team repeatedly denying accusations of blocking other vaccines, the label of "protecting Medigen" has been difficult to shake, with critics accusing the administration of highly politicizing pandemic response.

Moreover, the "3+11" quarantine policy for flight crews, which contributed to Taiwan's outbreak, has never had its decision-making process fully disclosed. Chen admitted feeling disheartened over vaccine controversies but failed to adequately address public skepticism. These incidents prevented the MOHW from demonstrating the necessary professionalism and neutrality during the most critical phase of the pandemic, instead portraying it as an agency where political considerations outweighed science and public welfare.

Since Shih Chong-Liang took office as MOHW Minister, the department has remained mired in controversy. The most prominent recent issues include the National Health Insurance (NHI) supplementary premium reform and the Chung Lian edible oil carcinogen scandal. The NHI reform aimed to ensure financial sustainability but sparked widespread public and investor backlash due to its impact on dividend and bonus income, drawing criticism for being "robbing from the poor to benefit the rich" or "generating revenue without cost control." Although Shih personally stepped forward to explain and insisted the reform would continue, policy inconsistency and poor communication have damaged the MOHW's credibility.

Even more seriously, the Chung Lian carcinogenic oil scandal has once again placed the MOHW at the center of a food safety crisis. Oil contaminated with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) entered the market, and the MOHW was criticized for opaque information disclosure, slow response, and failing to tell the truth in the face of food safety issues. As food safety scandals continue to emerge, the MOHW has failed to demonstrate decisive action or professional competence, leaving the public uncertain about its role between industry and consumers and questioning its backbone in defending national health.

From Chen Shih-Chung to Shih Chong-Liang, the criticism directed at the MOHW goes beyond mishandling isolated incidents. It reflects deeper shortcomings in professionalism, independence, and political neutrality. When policy-making and implementation are perceived as driven by political calculations rather than public health priorities, the MOHW loses its essence as a public health institution.

Especially troubling is the MOHW's failure to uphold professional ethics and principles under pressure, instead yielding to political influence or special interests and becoming a tool of the ruling party. Whether during the vaccine controversies of the pandemic or the current food safety crisis, the MOHW cannot escape accusations of political cover-ups, leaving its institutional integrity nearly destroyed. This not only demoralizes diligent civil servants within the ministry but also continues to erode public trust in the government.

As the nation's most critical line of defense for health and safety, every action the MOHW takes affects the well-being of all citizens. The controversies during the tenures of both Chen and Shih represent a significant test of the MOHW's professional image and credibility. If the MOHW fails to deeply reflect and reclaim both the professional essence of "hygiene" and the independent spirit of "backbone," it will struggle to regain public trust and support in facing future challenges. This is not just a crisis for the MOHW, but a loss for Taiwanese society as a whole.

*The author is a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.