Tzu Chi defrauded of NT$1.06 billion in vaccine deal; commentator says apologies unlikely
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
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Sources not specified
Outcome reported
- Tzu Chi Foundation lost NT$1.06 billion in a scam during its procurement of BNT vaccines.
- Former Health Minister Chen Shih-chung had warned against international brokers in 2021, but was criticized by the KMT party at the time for allegedly blocking vaccine imports.
- Political commentator Chou Hsuan stated that no one expects politicians from the KMT or the People First Party to apologize for their past remarks regarding the vaccine procurement.
The Tzu Chi Foundation lost NT$1.06 billion in a scam while procuring BNT vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, then-Health Minister Chen Shih-chung repeatedly advised caution regarding international brokers, but faced criticism from the KMT, which accused him of obstructing vaccine imports.
Political commentator Chou Hsuan remarked that there is no expectation for politicians from the KMT or the People First Party to apologize for their past statements on the vaccine procurement. He suggested that some individuals are no longer receptive to such apologies.
The incident highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls in international vaccine procurement during a global health crisis. The criticism faced by Chen Shih-chung at the time also points to the politicization of public health issues.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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