Germany Values Taiwan's AI and Digital Health Expertise; Minister Shih: 'Virtue is Not Left to Stand Alone'

Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chong-liang visited Germany to share Taiwan's experiences in digital health and AI-driven epidemic prevention. In an interview with CNA, Shih noted that as the world faces shared challenges like aging populations and medical labor shortages, Germany is paying close attention to Taiwan's medical digitalization. He remarked that European support for Taiwan is stronger than ever, embodying the proverb, "Virtue is not left to stand alone; it will have neighbors."

Following the World Health Assembly (WHA) activities, Shih attended a Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) symposium in Berlin on the 22nd. He described the event as a significant breakthrough, bringing together experts from Taiwan, the U.S., and Germany.

Shih observed that the global healthcare system is undergoing a major adjustment. Through exchanges with German experts, it became clear that while Germany is currently struggling with issues like digitizing medical records and AI data governance, Taiwan has already successfully implemented these solutions.

Shih emphasized that data interoperability is the foundation of AI development. Taiwan has established standardized medical data formats and exchange rules, utilizing the "FHIR Box" system to solve the problem of fragmented medical records, thereby enabling cross-hospital data sharing.

Furthermore, Taiwan has launched a "Four-Year National Pharmaceutical Resilience Plan" to enhance the self-sufficiency of essential medicines like antibiotics and insulin, aiming to build a non-red supply chain with like-minded nations.

Shih expressed that he felt strong goodwill and a willingness to cooperate from European nations, and he hopes to continue sharing the efforts and aspirations of Taiwan's 23 million people with the world through international exchanges.