Organ Donation Center Chairman Li Ming-zhe Resigns; Health Minister Shih Chung-liang Says Will Try to Retain Him
Li Ming-zhe, chairman of the Organ Donation Center, has resigned citing internal governance issues and personal reasons. Health Minister Shih Chung-liang stated he will try to retain Li, and the resignation has not yet been approved.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 18:37
- 🔍 Collected: June 10, 2026 at 18:55 (18 min after Published)
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(Central News Agency, reporter Shen Pei-yao, Taipei, June 10) Amid ongoing controversies surrounding organ donation, Li Ming-zhe, chairman of the Organ Donation and Transplantation Registration and Patient Autonomy Promotion Center (Organ Donation Center), has resigned. Li emphasized that his position is unpaid and pointed to internal personnel issues. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang stated today that he will try to retain Li, noting that the resignation letter has not yet been approved or taken effect. He also mentioned receiving employee complaints against each other, which are under investigation.
The Organ Donation and Transplantation Registration and Patient Autonomy Promotion Center is established with funding from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It is responsible for managing and formulating principles for organ allocation and maintaining the accuracy of hospital records on organ donation and transplantation data.
Li Ming-zhe recently made a statement about an "imbalance in domestic organ supply and demand," which was questioned by outsiders who argued that Taiwan cannot achieve balance, sparking controversy. Media reports today indicated that Li would resign as chairman and director due to "career planning and practical considerations regarding the center's internal governance environment," effective July 1 of this year.
In a telephone interview with the media this afternoon, Li emphasized that his resignation is unrelated to the controversy sparked by the Chen Yao-li incident. He stated it is mainly due to personal factors and internal governance issues. He said all his statements were made based on his authority and personal stance, with no intention of opposing anyone or the government.
Li pointed out that over the past two and a half years, he has continuously recruited people, but three senior employees have left in succession. Many new hires quickly left after sensing the atmosphere. He later became involved in coordinating, supervising, and reporting on organ allocation, but he also has other primary responsibilities. "I am an unpaid chairman," he said, adding that it has been too demanding over the long term, which is the real reason for his resignation.
"Someone is deliberately leaking internal information," Li stated, suggesting that employees from different departments may be intentionally providing these "confidential" documents. He hopes to improve the environment and stabilize the system, but the current situation is very difficult, with disparities in treatment between departments. He expects the competent authority to handle this matter fairly and establish a friendly workplace.
Minister Shih Chung-liang told the media that he has indeed received Li's resignation letter but has not yet approved it. He plans to find time for detailed discussions to understand the actual situation. The resignation will not take effect until approved by the board and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, so there is no July 1 effective date. Shih stated that Li is professional and very dedicated to organ transplantation and fundraising and will try to retain him.
Regarding the internal operational issues of the Organ Donation Center, Shih acknowledged hearing about them. He said several workplace bullying complaints have been received this year, and a task force has been formed to handle the matter and will conduct further investigations. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150610
The Organ Donation and Transplantation Registration and Patient Autonomy Promotion Center is established with funding from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It is responsible for managing and formulating principles for organ allocation and maintaining the accuracy of hospital records on organ donation and transplantation data.
Li Ming-zhe recently made a statement about an "imbalance in domestic organ supply and demand," which was questioned by outsiders who argued that Taiwan cannot achieve balance, sparking controversy. Media reports today indicated that Li would resign as chairman and director due to "career planning and practical considerations regarding the center's internal governance environment," effective July 1 of this year.
In a telephone interview with the media this afternoon, Li emphasized that his resignation is unrelated to the controversy sparked by the Chen Yao-li incident. He stated it is mainly due to personal factors and internal governance issues. He said all his statements were made based on his authority and personal stance, with no intention of opposing anyone or the government.
Li pointed out that over the past two and a half years, he has continuously recruited people, but three senior employees have left in succession. Many new hires quickly left after sensing the atmosphere. He later became involved in coordinating, supervising, and reporting on organ allocation, but he also has other primary responsibilities. "I am an unpaid chairman," he said, adding that it has been too demanding over the long term, which is the real reason for his resignation.
"Someone is deliberately leaking internal information," Li stated, suggesting that employees from different departments may be intentionally providing these "confidential" documents. He hopes to improve the environment and stabilize the system, but the current situation is very difficult, with disparities in treatment between departments. He expects the competent authority to handle this matter fairly and establish a friendly workplace.
Minister Shih Chung-liang told the media that he has indeed received Li's resignation letter but has not yet approved it. He plans to find time for detailed discussions to understand the actual situation. The resignation will not take effect until approved by the board and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, so there is no July 1 effective date. Shih stated that Li is professional and very dedicated to organ transplantation and fundraising and will try to retain him.
Regarding the internal operational issues of the Organ Donation Center, Shih acknowledged hearing about them. He said several workplace bullying complaints have been received this year, and a task force has been formed to handle the matter and will conduct further investigations. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150610
FAQ
Why did Li Ming-zhe resign?
Due to internal governance issues and personal reasons. He cited the burden of an unpaid role and high employee turnover.
What is the Health Minister's response?
He stated he will try to retain Li. The resignation is not yet approved, and a task force is investigating internal complaints.
What is the potential impact on Taiwan's organ transplant system?
It may raise questions about system reliability and increase the need for institutional reform.