Beyond Herbs and Needles: The Role of Chinese Medicine in Taiwan’s Healthcare Policy and Public Health System

We invite you to a seminar on traditional medicine in Chinese health policy, which will take place on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., in room 303 of the Auditorium Building.

While Western medicine remains dominant in Taiwan’s healthcare system, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved from historical marginalization to policy integration and institutional recognition. Its role in public health has become increasingly visible through inclusion in the National Health Insurance (NHI) and participation in long-term care programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government-approved formula Qingguan No. 1 (NRICM101, RespireAid) demonstrated TCM’s contributions to prevention, symptom relief, and post-infection recovery, underscoring its value in epidemic control.

This lecture traces TCM’s development within Taiwan’s healthcare and public health policies, from the colonial-era plague prevention to modern health governance. It argues that the institutionalization of TCM not only
preserves a vital cultural heritage but also enhances the resilience and inclusiveness of Taiwan’s health care system. By bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary policy frameworks, TCM continues to play an essential role in promoting holistic and preventive healthcare for Taiwan’s aging and diverse society.

Prof. Winder Wen-Te Chang is the Professor in the Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources at the College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University in Taiwan. He also serves as Deputy Curator of the Lifu Museum of Chinese Medicine. At present, he is the Chair of Taiwan Studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands.