Taipei: Several amended national regulations and new local ordinances are set to take effect in Taiwan starting in July, impacting various sectors including healthcare, environmental protection, and public safety.
According to Focus Taiwan, a compilation of these new and amended policies has been released by central administrations and local municipal governments, covering everything from healthcare reforms to environmental initiatives.
The Central Weather Administration is introducing a new service during typhoon season that will provide wind strength forecasts for coastal townships. This initiative includes video conferences between administration officials and local leaders to better address the differences in wind conditions observed inland and along the coast. The goal is to provide local leaders with more data to deliberate closures of work and schools during severe weather.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has launched a NT$60 million plan to reduce postoperative hospital stays for patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery. This plan, starting in July, targets patients aged 70 and older, as well as those with higher anesthesia risks, aiming to improve healthcare quality and reduce expenses by discharging patients earlier.
A significant change comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, which has decided to abolish mandatory rabies vaccinations for indoor cats starting in July. This new policy applies to cats kept indoors or transported in containers, although cats allowed to roam outdoors will still require vaccinations.
The Ministry of the Interior is focusing on public safety by enforcing inspections on buildings with air raid shelters to ensure they meet safety standards for public use during emergencies. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor plans to amend laws to double worker compensation death benefits from NT$100,000 to NT$200,000.
In Taipei, a new ordinance will require city government departments and schools to charge for single-use dining utensils starting July 22, aiming to reduce waste. Additionally, Taipei hotels will be prohibited from providing disposable amenities to guests, with violators facing fines.
Taipei is also expanding its air pollution control zone to include an area between Xinsheng South Road and Songjiang-Mingchuan intersection. Vehicles entering this zone must meet certification requirements or face fines.
In Kaohsiung, parents of newborns will benefit from a NT$30,000 subsidy after residing in the city for 10 months. The city is also requiring insurance for accessing the electric YouBike system and will make Chengqing Lake a ticket-free tourist site to boost tourism.
Pingtung County is introducing a NT$60 tourism-conservation fee at Geban Bay Beach to promote sustainable tourism and support environmental conservation efforts.
These changes reflect Taiwan’s commitment to improving public welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency through comprehensive regulatory updates.