Taipei:Taiwan's integration of metaverse technology into its healthcare system is anticipated to enhance the country's international visibility and competitiveness in the medical sector, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang stated at a conference in Taipei.
According to Focus Taiwan, Shih spoke at the 2026 Taiwan AI 3D Medical Imaging and Metaverse Application Conference, highlighting this development as a significant milestone in combining Taiwan's strengths in information and communications technology with high-quality healthcare. The event, organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, showcased applications of 3D medical imaging and metaverse technologies in surgical planning, physician training, and clinical care.
The conference was attended by Ho Chih-wei, deputy secretary-general of the Presidential Office, ambassadors from Taiwan's diplomatic allies, and healthcare sector representatives. Shih emphasized that artificial intelligence and metaverse technology present promising opportunities for Taiwan's medical field, particularly in anatomy education, preoperative consultations, and surgical planning.
Taiwan has already shared its metaverse-based medical systems with several diplomatic allies and has invited healthcare professionals from these countries for training in Taiwan. Shih noted that this is an example of Taiwan leveraging its ICT capabilities alongside healthcare to enhance international competitiveness.
Taiwan-based IntelliGen Technology Co. announced plans to donate 3D medical image reconstruction equipment to local hospitals and collaborate with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to broaden the technology's application. Previously, the company arranged training sessions for doctors from diplomatic allies, focusing on metaverse and 3D imaging technologies.
Ho Chih-wei highlighted how advancements in medical imaging now allow doctors to assess patients more precisely using 3D scans and data visualization. He also mentioned Taiwan's legal framework, which supports advanced medical technologies through amendments to the Act for the Development of Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry and regenerative medicine laws.
Belize's Ambassador to Taiwan, Katherine Meighan, expressed optimism about deepening healthcare cooperation between Taiwan and Belize, noting the potential for AI 3D medical imaging technology to improve diagnosis speed and accuracy.
National Taiwan University Hospital aims to implement an automated AI-powered 3D medical imaging system by 2028, contributing to various medical areas, including complex surgical planning and communication. Mackay Memorial Hospital Superintendent Chang Wen-han highlighted that medical imaging advances enable the creation of virtual patient representations, reducing operating times and surgical risks in complex cases.