Only 22 people nationwide received the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Professional Medal; Professor Wu was honored for her contributions to long-term care policy

Chair Professor Wu Hsiao-Chi of the Department of Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Asia University, was recently awarded the Second-Class Health and Welfare Professional Medal by Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-Yuan. The honor recognizes her long-standing, outstanding contributions to advancing long-term care policy, building service systems, and improving the quality of care.

Dean Wu Hua-Shan of Asia University’s College of Nursing noted that since 1985 (ROC year 74), Professor Wu has been actively involved in formulating healthcare policies, with a particular focus on enhancing the accessibility and overall quality of long-term care services. Her research has explored in depth how to integrate healthcare and long-term care systems, and she has proposed numerous forward-looking, high-impact policy recommendations. These ideas are widely respected in academia and have provided concrete guidance for government policymaking, playing a pivotal role in the development of Taiwan’s long-term care system. This year, the Ministry presented Professional Medals to 22 distinguished individuals in health, medical care, and social welfare; Professor Wu’s receipt of the Second-Class medal reflects the high level of national recognition for her work.

Dean Wu added that beyond academic achievements, Professor Wu is deeply committed to strengthening primary and community-based care, and to addressing shortages of medical resources in remote areas. By promoting collaboration and integration within healthcare systems, she has significantly elevated the quality of long-term care services, enabling more families in need to access more comprehensive support, while also raising the capabilities and standards of long-term care professionals.

Professor Wu emphasized that in building a long-term care system, talent cultivation is the most crucial foundation. In the 2024 academic year (ROC year 113), Asia University’s College of Nursing took the lead in central Taiwan by establishing the Department of Long-Term Care, in response to the government’s Long-Term Care 2.0 policy. The program aims to develop professionals with innovative service skills, solid long-term care expertise, interdisciplinary learning and teamwork abilities, and competence in smart-technology applications. The curriculum spans five forward-looking yet practice-oriented pillars: health promotion, public health, long-term care, industry management, and smart innovation. The first cohort enrolled 45 students and reached full capacity, demonstrating strong social recognition and support. Professor Wu stated that while she will continue contributing to national long-term care and healthcare policy, she will also fully support the department in training more professionals to advance Taiwan’s long-term care development and benefit families who need care.

Students accompanied older adults in practicing Tai Chi.

Students accompanied older adults in making handmade ornaments.