Zhubei Mayoral Candidate Wu Hsu-chih Proposes "Smart-living Health City" Initiative

Kuomintang candidate for Zhubei Mayor, Wu Hsu-chih, has unveiled a health policy proposal called "Smart-living Health City." This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's upcoming "Health Coin" policy, which aims to incentivize preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles.

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The real healthy city is not one with more hospitals, but one where fewer people get sick.

The "Health Coin" policy, expected to launch in September, will reward citizens with health points for engaging in activities such as health check-ups, vaccinations, and cancer screenings. Wu Hsu-chih's proposal seeks to build upon this national framework by creating a local ecosystem that maximizes these health benefits. He envisions Zhubei City as the first "Smart-living Health City" in Taiwan, drawing inspiration from Singapore's successful Health365 initiative.

Wu emphasized the importance of shifting from a treatment-focused healthcare system to one that prioritizes preventive medicine. He believes that by leveraging technology and reward mechanisms, citizens can be encouraged to adopt healthier habits. Wu cited the popular Pikmin game as an example, where virtual rewards for walking can be transformed into tangible benefits through the "Health Coin" policy, making the incentives more meaningful for the public.

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Central government establishes the system, and local governments can deepen, broaden, and create unique features for the system.

Wu outlined three key upgrades for Zhubei's health initiative. First, he proposes expanding local redemption options beyond convenience stores to include local businesses, farmers' markets, and fitness centers. This would allow health points to be redeemed for gym memberships or local produce, circulating health benefits within Zhubei and stimulating the local economy. Second, he plans to integrate smart technology with community learning programs, enabling citizens to earn points for activities like running or participating in elder learning courses. This aims to promote lifelong health and active aging. Third, a dedicated health city platform and gamified app will be developed to integrate municipal and health data, making it easier for citizens to earn rewards through daily activities like exercise and weight management.

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With the central government's policy, virtual rewards can be exchanged for tangible rewards, making the public feel more engaged!