KMT slams DPP over delayed nurse-patient ratio law

The Legislative Yuan's recent passage of the Medical Care Act amendment, enshrining nurse-to-patient ratios into law, marks a significant victory for healthcare workers' long-standing demands. However, the Kuomintang (KMT) caucus has vehemently condemned the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government's decision to implement a "sunrise clause," delaying the law's full effect until May 1, 2028.

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The Legislative Yuan passed the "Medical Care Act Amendment" on the 8th, successfully enshrining the medical care ratio into law. This is not only the most severe counterattack against the DPP's long-term trampling of the rights and interests of medical staff, but also proves that "Lai Ching-te broke his promises, the DPP doesn't do it, the KMT does it."

The KMT caucus leader, Lin Pei-hsiang, stated that President Lai Ching-te had broken his campaign promises regarding this issue. "Lai Ching-te made a promise before the election, and after the election, he reneged on it all," Lin asserted. The KMT highlights that despite Lai's medical background, his administration has remained silent on the urgent calls from frontline medical staff, a stance the KMT deems a betrayal of public trust.

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Lai Ching-te made a promise before the election, and after the election, he reneged on it all. The three-shift nurse-to-patient ratio entering the law was a long-term appeal of nursing staff. President Lai Ching-te publicly promised during his campaign, but after taking office, the Executive Yuan and the Ministry of Health and Welfare led the opposition.

Furthermore, the KMT criticizes the 2028 implementation date as a deliberate tactic to "delay and change" the policy, masking administrative inertia. They argue that the crisis of nursing talent attrition is immediate and requires proactive government measures, such as budget allocation and improved working conditions, rather than using the delay as an excuse. The party accuses the government of using patient safety and nurse well-being as a shield for its own inaction.

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Regarding the explanation of the Executive Yuan that the bill will not be implemented until 2028, this is a standard 'delay and change, technical boycott'. The crisis of nursing talent loss is imminent, and the government is not actively raising funds and improving medical labor conditions to supplement manpower, but instead using this as an excuse to delay the implementation of the bill. This is simply using patient safety and the health of nurses as a fig leaf for administrative laziness.

From Taiwan's perspective, this legislative battle is not just about staffing ratios but also about accountability and political integrity. The KMT positions itself as the true champion of healthcare professionals, contrasting its actions with the DPP's perceived broken promises. The delay is seen not as a practical necessity but as a political maneuver, fueling public distrust. Unlike Western media, which might focus on the technical aspects of implementing such ratios, Taiwanese coverage, particularly from the KMT's viewpoint, emphasizes the political drama, the perceived failures of the ruling party, and the urgent need for tangible support for nurses.

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The KMT caucus publicly calls: If you don't support medical staff today, who will protect the health of the people tomorrow? The KMT caucus expresses its highest respect for the sweat and tears of nursing staff and the Taiwan Nurses Association for their day and night dedication to patients.