President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) praised the Veterans Affairs Council (VAC) for developing a smart visitation and care platform, which integrates medical care, caregiving, and support in daily life. He also directed the VAC and the Health Ministry to explore the possibility of expanding the platform’s scope so that more members of the public can benefit. That came at the ‘Launch Ceremony for the First Year of Digital Transformation in Veterans Care’ organized by VAC on Thursday, July 16.

In January Taiwan officially met the United Nations’ criteria for a ‘super-aged society’, in which twenty percent of people are over the age of 65. The VAC developed the smart care platform in order to protect the health of veterans, prevent or delay the onset of disabilities, and reduce unplanned and repeated medical visits.

Lai commended the platform for its remote diagnosis and referral capabilities, as well as its ability to connect with local government health and social welfare authorities. He added that the platform not only provides users with immediate, comprehensive, and appropriate integrated care, but also demonstrates the government’s respect for veterans, who spent their lives defending Taiwan.

Lai asked the VAC and medical teams at veterans hospitals to explore the possibility of expanding the platform’s coverage to those who receive regular care at veterans hospitals. He also asked the Health Ministry to study a possible expansion across the entire national healthcare system, so that more members of the public can benefit.