Chen Shih-chung (Chinese: 陳時中; pinyin: Chén Shízhōng; Wade–Giles: Chʻên2 Shih2-chung1; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tân Sî-tiong; born December 1953) is a Taiwanese politician. He is the current Minister of Health and Welfare.[2]
Chen Shih-chung | |
|---|---|
陳時中 | |
 | |
| Minister of Health and Welfare of Republic of China | |
| Assumed office 8 February 2017 | |
| Deputy | Ho Chi-kung, Lu Pau-ching Ho Chi-kung, Su Li-chiung |
| Vice | Tsai Sen-tien Hsueh Jui-yuan |
| Preceded by | Lin Tzou-yien |
| Deputy Minister of Department of Health of the Republic of China | |
| In office 2005–2008 | |
| Minister | Hou Sheng-mao |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 1953 (age 70–71) Taipei, Taiwan |
| Nationality | Taiwan |
| Political party | Template:Dpp |
| Children | 2[1] |
| Alma mater | Taipei Medical College |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Dentist |
Early life
Chen graduated from the School of Dentistry of Taipei Medical College in 1977.[3]
Early career
Chen became the director of Taipei City Dentists Association in 1987 and stayed in the position until he was promoted to executive director in 1991. In 1993-1995, he was the president of the association. In 1995-1999, he was the president of Taiwan Dental Association and in 1995-2005 executive director and CEO of the association.[citation needed]
Political career
In 1995-1996, he was the commissioner of the medical review committee of the Health Department of Taipei City Government. In 1993-1998 and 1999-2000, he was the commissioner of the dentist advisory committee of the Department of Health. In 1996-1999 and 2005-2006, he was the commissioner of the national health insurance supervisory committee of the department. At the same time (1996-2008), he was also the commissioner of the national health insurance medical expenditure negotiation committee of the department.[4]
Ministry of Health and Welfare
At a press conference after being sworn in as the health and welfare minister on 8 February 2017, Chen said that he would continue the current policy of the ministry and would try to avoid big personnel changes.[5]
2017 World Health Assembly
Chen flew to Geneva, Switzerland and arrived on 20 May 2017 despite the absence of invitation for Taiwan to attend the World Health Assembly in 2017. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the arrangement for Chen to attend bilateral meetings outside the assembly including other events, such as press conference, interviews and Taiwan Night held by non-governmental organization.[6]
2020 COVID-19 crisis
Chen has become widely recognised in Taiwan as the main speaker at daily press conferences given by the Taiwan Centre for Disease Control (CDC). His approval rating in a poll released on 26 March 2020 was 91%.[7]
A 26 April 2022 poll revealed that Taiwanese were split over the government's policy to "coexist with COVID", with slightly more people opposed than in favor. Among the respondents, 46.3% percent stated that they disapproved of the policy, and 45% indicated their approval. [8]
References
- ^ 王涵秋 (23 December 2013). "圓父遺願 教授捐千冊書". United Daily News (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 26 December 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- ^ Su, Fang-ho; Chiang, Chih-hsiung; Lee, Hsin-fang (4 February 2017). "Cabinet reshuffle sees four new names". Taipei Times. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ "CHEN Shih-chung, Minister of Health and Welfare". Ministry of Health and Welfare. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
- ^ "About the Minister". Ministry of Health and Welfare. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
- ^ Lee, I-chia (9 February 2017). "Health minister vows to stay the course". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
- ^ "Taiwan's minister of health to attend bilater".
- ^ "Taiwan's 'Iron Minister' deli".
- ^ "Taiwanese split on 'coexisting with COVID' policy".
External links
Media related to Chen Shih-chung at Wikimedia Commons
Quotations related to Chen Shih-chung at Wikiquote
