Director-General Scott Lai of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston was invited to attend the Presidential Awards Dinner held by the American Urological Association (AUA) for Dr. Chiu Wen-Shyang, the former President of Taipei City Hospital, on May 16.
Mr. Lai said that he was honored to witness Dr. Chiu accept the award by AUA President Richard K. Babayan. He commended Dr. Chiu’s efforts and contributions to medicine and education that highlights Taiwan’s advanced medical techniques and achievements internationally.
Dr. Chiu graduated from National Yang-Ming University with a Doctorate Degree in Medicine. He served as the Director of the Department of Health, Acting Deputy Mayor of the Taipei City Government, President of the School of Medicine at National Yang-Ming University, Chief Resident at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and Academic Vice President of Taipei Medical University. He also serves as the Secretary General of the Asia Urological Association and has received several awards that truly make Dr. Chiu the Pride of Taiwan.
Mr. Lai noted that the award, which represents the highest honor in medicine in the United States, demonstrates Taiwan’s high standard in medical. Since 1996, Taiwan has invested $6 billion in medical and humanitarian aid efforts in more than 80 countries. Taiwan, however, is excluded from the upcoming 70th World Health Assembly (WHA) due to politics. This not only ignores the health rights of Taiwan’s people, but also creates a critical gap in the world health system. It also has the potential to affect public health and the well-being of the international community, violating the United Nation’s declaration against discrimination based on political, economic, social and racial factors. Mr. Lai called for international support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHO and Taiwan’s inclusion in the upcoming meeting of the WHA.
