Politician decries Taipei's 'edible oil clinic' as political stunt

A Taiwanese politician has slammed Taipei's newly established "edible oil clinic" as a politically motivated stunt that drains already scarce medical resources. Wu Hsin-tai, a candidate for the Taiwan基進 party in Taipei's second electoral district, argued that the clinic offers no substantial medical benefit, providing only one-on-one health education.

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This is a serious waste of Taipei City United Hospital's extremely tight medical and nursing staff

Launched by the Taipei City Government in response to an edible oil contamination incident, the clinic has proven to be a significant failure. Over 14 days, a total of 14 clinic sessions were held, attracting a mere four patients. Wu pointed out that this translates to a waste of valuable time for doctors and nurses, who are already stretched thin.

"This is a serious waste of Taipei City United Hospital's extremely tight medical and nursing staff," Wu stated, urging Mayor Chiang Wan-an to cease using the hard work of frontline medical professionals for political showmanship. She expressed frustration with hospital management's attempts to downplay the issue, citing their claims that the clinic has not resulted in medical waste.

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stop using the hard work of frontline medical professionals for political showmanship

Wu highlighted the critical staffing situation at Taipei City United Hospital, noting a physician turnover rate of 14.9% in 2025 and persistent nursing shortages. She implored the mayor to address the difficulties faced by grassroots healthcare and return precious medical resources to citizens in genuine need, rather than allowing medical staff to become victims of political maneuvering.

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This is a serious waste of Taipei City United Hospital's extremely tight medical and nursing staff