President Tsai meets American Medical Association President Dr. Patrice Harris
During a meeting with American Medical Association (AMA) President Dr. Patrice Harris on the morning of November 8, President Tsai Ing-wen thanked the AMA for strongly supporting Taiwan's WHO participation and inclusion in the International Health Regulations (IHR) network. She also expressed hope that the AMA will continue to support Taiwan's international participation so that we can make even greater contributions to global healthcare.
A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:
I am delighted to welcome you all to the Presidential Office today. AMA members have visited Taiwan many times in the past, and this year, we are hosting the current president. This shows true friendship and the importance that the AMA attaches to Taiwan. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Harris for being elected the 174th president of the AMA.
The AMA is one of the world's most important professional organizations for physicians and plays a pivotal role in cooperation between the WHO and the international medical community.
The AMA is also quite concerned about medical education, medical ethics, and public health. These are all important issues in Taiwan, and we hope to promote more exchanges and cooperation in the future.
Taiwan physicians have performed admirably when dealing with major medical incidents such as SARS, the H1N1 flu outbreak, dengue fever, and a powder explosion at an entertainment venue. They have also manned volunteer clinics in many countries, serving selflessly, and winning international recognition. This shows that medical care in Taiwan has achieved global standards.
I would like to specially thank the AMA for strongly supporting Taiwan's WHO participation, and inclusion in the IHR network. Medical care, public health, and epidemic prevention transcend national boundaries, and health is a basic human right and a universal value. In the future, we hope that the AMA will continue to support Taiwan's international participation so that we can make even greater contributions to global healthcare.
In closing, I would like to once again welcome our guests. During your visit, I trust you will all get to experience our local culture and beautiful scenery, and create fond memories of Taiwan. I hope you enjoy your stay. Thank you.
Also present at the meeting was Taiwan Medical Association President Dr. Chiu Tai-Yuan (邱泰源).