Chen Shih-chung

Chen Shih-chung (Chinese: 陳時中; born 1953) is a Taiwanese politician. He has served as the Minister of Health and Welfare of Taiwan since February 2017. Chen is also the head of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), which is responsible for the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early life and education

Chen was born in 1953 in Taiwan. He completed his undergraduate studies in Pharmacy at the National Defense Medical Center in 1976. He then went on to earn a master's degree in Public Health from the National Taiwan University in 1981.

Career

Chen began his career as a pharmacist and later transitioned into public health administration. He has held various positions in the Ministry of Health and Welfare, including Director-General of the Department of Health. In February 2017, he was appointed as the Minister of Health and Welfare.

As the Minister of Health and Welfare, Chen has been responsible for implementing health policies, managing the national health insurance system, and overseeing the country's medical and social welfare institutions. He has also played a key role in Taiwan's response to the COVID-19 pandemic as the head of the CECC.

COVID-19 response

Under Chen's leadership, Taiwan has been praised for its effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CECC, headed by Chen, implemented a series of measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including strict border controls, widespread testing, and contact tracing. These measures have been credited with keeping Taiwan's COVID-19 case numbers relatively low.

Personal life

Chen is married and has two children. He is known for his calm demeanor and his dedication to public health.

See also

• COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan
• Ministry of Health and Welfare (Taiwan)
• Public health in Taiwan