Taipei: Taiwan will establish a Children and Families Administration under the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), President Lai Ching-te announced Sunday. This new agency will focus on child care and provide support for children's medical care, physical and mental development, and policymaking to protect children's rights more effectively.

According to Focus Taiwan, President Lai made the announcement during a speech at a forum on Taiwanese health issues at National Taiwan University Hospital. The establishment of the Children and Families Administration is aimed at ensuring comprehensive support for children's needs in various aspects of their development.

While President Lai did not provide specifics on the timeline for the launch of the new unit or how its responsibilities would be coordinated with existing agencies, the MOHW already operates a Social and Family Affairs Administration.

During a legislative hearing on October 31, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang informed lawmakers about the development of the agency. Shih highlighted its focus on early childhood development, child social welfare, protection, and health policy. The ministry has prepared a draft plan for the administration and is in the process of finalizing details before seeking approval from the Executive Yuan.