Opposition lawmakers yesterday threatened to deprive the Department of Health the power to adjust national health insurance fees if it refuses to observe a legislative resolution demanding an end to recent fee hikes.
After failing to get what they wanted from health chief Twu Shiing-jer (
Twu, whose department has bickered with the legislature over the health insurance fees, sought out opposition lawmakers in an attempt to bury the hatchet. Instead of being greeted by lawmakers eager for reconciliation, he was ambushed by the very legislators who had sponsored the resolution asking his department to scrap the increased insurance premiums and co-payment rates.
"When will the department carry out the legislative resolution?" KMT lawmaker Lin Yi-shih (林益世) said, denying Twu the chance to state his intentions. "The administration cannot raise fees every time it is strapped for cash."
The health department has said it will adhere to the fee hikes, introduced last September, to keep the insurance program afloat.
Twu echoed the theme, noting the resolution is not binding.
"The Department of Health had no choice but to increase the fees to prevent the health program from collapse," he told legislators after seeking in vain for a closed-door conversation.
Independent Legislator Sisy Chen (陳文茜) argued that the program can remain viable if the department curbs waste on the part of hospitals and pharmacists.
"How do you plan to crack down on unscrupulous hospitals and pharmaceutical firms?" she asked.
Again, Twu would not comment. His uncommitted attitude drew ire from KMT legislative leader Liu Cheng-hung (劉政鴻), who suggested that Twu take his leave and tend to his business.
"Go back. We cannot see you to the door," Liu said.
PFP legislative whip Chiu Yi (
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