Evolution and Innovation of Health Examination System for Foreign Employees, Taiwan, 1989–2015

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20170110.33(1).002

Yu-Ching Chang1^＊, Ji-Jia Huang¹, Yung-Ching Lin²,Li-Gin Wu¹, Li-Li Ho¹, Yi-Chun Wu¹

2017 Vol.33 NO.1

Correspondence Author： Yu-Ching Chang1^＊

Abstract：

The practice of employing foreigners for labor services, which is also referred to as foreign labors, was introduced in Taiwan in 1989. As these labors primarily come from Southeast Asia countries with high-risk for infectious diseases, the mandatory health examination for foreign labors was launched at the same time in order to prevent importation of infectious diseases. This article collected relevant information about the health examination system for foreign labors in Taiwan during 1989 and 2015. It is narrated in four aspects, including the regulations and the central competent authority, the timing of health examination and the process of management, the items of health examination and the management of foreign and domestic accredited hospitals. As of 2015, the health examination for foreign labors has been implemented for over 26 years. During this period, the system has been adjusted several times according to related regulation amendments and the purpose of disease prevention. Moreover, the important innovations made in terms of human rights and computerized management in recent years are all described in details. In the future, the government will continue to make changes to the system based on the government policy on labor, international epidemics and management experiences of the other countries to ensure human rights, economic development and the health and wellbeing of the people.