EDITORIAL: Subsidies cannot fix the birthrateThe nation’s rapidly declining birthrate has prompted a wave of new proposals from local and central authorities. Ministry of Health and Welfare officials warned such a plan could undermine the financial stability of the NHI system and divert resources from disadvantaged families who rely on targeted subsidies. Additionally, the Ministry of Labor announced an expanded subsidy program intended to encourage businesses to provide more childcare support. The policy would increase subsidies for employer-provided childcare allowances and broaden eligibility for workers who rely on informal childcare arrangements. The Ministry of the Interior’s latest statistics show that the capital has the nation’s highest dependency ratio and mortgage burden.

Source: Taipei Times March 06, 2026 16:19 UTC