DOH chief to brief Ma on NHI reform plan March 17

Yaung, who announced Monday his surprise resignation over the health insurance premium rate dispute, called a news conference at noon after President Ma met with him in the morning in an effort to convince him to stay in his post.

He said that President Ma has maintained close contact with him, giving instructions that reflect his caring for people's health. The Presidential Office also gave him several calls since Monday, he said.

Yaung said that he had agreed much earlier to attend a scheduled meeting at the Presidential Office on Wednesday, March 17 to present the DOH's proposals concerning the NHI premium adjustment to the president as well as other senior government officials and members of the legislative caucus of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT).

He told the reporters that he felt bad over leaving his post before completing the scheduled briefing.

“It is inappropriate for me to offer to resign before fulfilling a promise and finishing my work. It shows a lack of respect for the country,” Yaung said.

Three Draft Versions

Yaung said three drafted reform packages will be discussed at next Wednesday's meeting, including the one initiated by the DOH, a version proposed by the Executive Yuan (Cabinet), which is backed by KMT lawmakers, and a proposal that segregate premium rates based on different income levels

Stressing that the health insurance premium adjustment plan is by no means aimed at enhancing wage earners' financial burden, Yaung said Taiwan's widely acclaimed health insurance system may collapse if the premium rates are not raised soon.

Asked whether he will stay on his post, Yaung did not answer directly, saying instead that it was a personal matter unworthy of public discussion.

Yaung stressed that he was more concerned about keeping the NHI program afloat not only because it was related to public health but also because it is critical to protecting people from becoming financially destitute due to illness.

Yaung said some of his foreign friends have offered views on how to overhaul Taiwan's health insurance system. “I will convey the advice to President Ma at the upcoming meeting,” Yaung added.

Premier Wu Den-yih has turned down Yaung's request for resignation, but Yaung said earlier that he will continue his ongoing leave of absence until March 17.

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