If the pilot is successful, it may be extended to 23 other homes run by voluntary groups, under the Health Ministry's supervision.

This is part of the Health Ministry's plans to improve support to voluntary groups offering health services.

Other areas it is looking at include training of health-care workers in homes, information technology and administration.

These plans were revealed by Permanent Secretary for Health Yong Ying-I, at a seminar on good governance of charities held by the Health Ministry on Friday.

The half-day seminar, held for the first time, will be organised every year. It was attended by about 200 administrators and board members of health-care charities.