Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Health Minister Shih Chung-liang Hold Joint Press Conference on WHA Campaign and “Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo,” Showcasing the Strength of “Team Taiwan Medical and Public Health”
Date: 2026-05-11

Source: Department of International Organizations

News Release No.: 201

On May 11, 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang held a joint press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The event focused on outlining Taiwan’s campaign for the 2026 World Health Assembly (WHA) and the inaugural “Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo” to be held in Geneva. The expo will feature over 30 leading Taiwanese medical institutions and enterprises. By organizing “Team Taiwan Medical and Public Health” through a public-private partnership, the government aims to demonstrate Taiwan’s achievements in integrating technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the healthcare sector, highlighting the spirit of collaborative diplomacy.

In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that while Taiwan has yet to receive an invitation to the WHA, MOFA and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) continue to innovate in their promotional efforts. The “Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo” in Geneva serves as a testament to the “Taiwan Together” spirit. Themed “WHO Cares? TAIWAN Cares!” with the visual concept “Chip in with Taiwan,” the exhibition will showcase Taiwan’s global leadership in semiconductor and AI technology, proactively demonstrating that “Taiwan can help.”

Minister Lin pointed out that while the World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for “leaving no one behind,” its long-term exclusion of Taiwan is a loss for the entire world. Despite this exclusion, Taiwan remains an active contributor to global health through humanitarian medical aid, free clinics, and the “One Country, One Center” initiative under the New Southbound Policy. Furthermore, Minister Lin emphasized that Taiwan’s “National Shield” extends beyond semiconductors to include its mature medical and public health achievements—from smart healthcare and AI-driven telemedicine to the application of National Health Insurance (NHI) big data.

Minister Lin shared that the expo will provide an international stage to echo President Lai Ching-te’s “Healthy Taiwan” vision and implement the “Smart Medical and Health Industry” project—one of the “Eight Flagship Programs” under MOFA’s “Prosperity Project” (榮邦計畫). MOFA and MOHW have worked closely to establish the “Medical and Health Diplomacy Advisory Group” to turn the concept of “driving industry through medicine” into national action. Examples include President Lai’s recent visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, where he witnessed Taipei Medical University’s efforts in training 80 local doctors and introducing smart medical and remote AI applications. Similar long-term medical assistance programs are also active in South Pacific allies such as Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu.

Minister Lin further noted that last year’s “Smart Medical Application Briefing” in Geneva, featuring Acer Medical and Quanta Computer, received positive international feedback. This year, with cross-party support from the Legislative Yuan, the expanded expo will invite health ministers and medical representatives from various countries to witness Taiwan’s medical prowess firsthand through on-site exchanges.

Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang expressed deep regret and dissatisfaction over the WHO’s continued exclusion of Taiwan due to political interference as the 79th WHA approaches. He reiterated that health is a fundamental human right and a universal value. Taiwan will adhere to the principles of professionalism, pragmatism, and contribution by sending a “WHA Action Team” to Geneva. The team will communicate the legitimacy and necessity of Taiwan’s participation in the global health system and strengthen cooperation with international health departments and professional organizations.

Minister Shih also thanked allies and international medical groups for their continued support. He called on the WHO to stop allowing politics to jeopardize the health rights of Taiwan’s 23.5 million people and to heed the global call for Taiwan’s regular participation in the WHO and WHA. This would allow Taiwan to work with the world to achieve this year’s WHA theme: “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility.”

Dr. Chang Wen-han, President of MacKay Memorial Hospital and leader of the industry delegation, noted that the exhibition in Geneva will feature three core zones: “Smart Medical,” “Innovative Medical Institutions,” and “Resilient Healthcare.” These zones will demonstrate to international policymakers and experts that Taiwan is not only a model student in public health but also the most trusted partner in the global smart medical supply chain.

The press conference was attended by representatives from 26 elite medical institutions and enterprises heading to Geneva. MOFA expressed its sincere gratitude and pledged to continue practicing “Integrated Diplomacy” (總合外交) by combining public and private sector strengths to show the world that Taiwan plays an indispensable and irreplaceable role in the global healthcare landscape.