(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 8th, Reporter Chen Jieling) Disciplinary standards for physicians involved in sexual harassment cases have sparked controversy due to inconsistencies. Local governments may impose different penalties, such as suspension or license revocation, for similar cases. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang stated today that the Department of Medical Affairs and other relevant units will discuss the matter with the Taiwan Medical Association, aiming to establish unified principles by the end of the year.
Shih Chung-liang attended a press conference titled "Friendly Retention, Adding Value to Taiwan's Healthcare." After the event, when asked about the inconsistent disciplinary standards for physician sexual harassment cases, he explained that under the current system, cases involving physicians violating medical ethics or professional norms are first reviewed locally, with the central government responsible for the final review.
Shih stated that local physician disciplinary committees, composed of medical professionals, are responsible for reviewing cases involving violations of the Physicians Act. If a physician is dissatisfied with a local decision and files an appeal, the central government only intervenes at that point. Because local standards for determining the severity of cases vary, similar cases have resulted in different penalties in the past.
Shih said he has instructed the Department of Medical Affairs to discuss with the Taiwan Medical Association to establish consistent reference principles for disciplinary standards. The priority will be on gender-related incidents that have drawn social attention in recent years, including sexual harassment and gender discrimination. The goal is to develop proportional disciplinary measures for verbal harassment, inappropriate physical contact, and sexual harassment involving abuse of power. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) June 8, 2026
FACT BOX
- Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
- Category: Taiwan