TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan experienced negative population growth for three consecutive years and has one of the lowest total fertility rates in the world in 2022.
In a Taipei hospital, monthly newborns decreased significantly from 300 to 400 to just 50 to 80 in the past two years.
Moreover, the country's infant mortality rate was notably high, with 4.1 deaths per 1,000 babies, two to three times higher than that of Japan and South Korea, according to statistics.
According to doctors, most deaths are attributed to premature births, which account for 75% to 80% of all fatalities. However, Taiwan is experiencing a shortage of essential equipment, such as incubators for premature babies.
Taiwan is also grappling with a shortage of doctors in children's healthcare. Recent studies have shown that when a neonatologist is on call, the mortality rate of high-risk premature babies decreases by 35%.
However, the number of doctors devoted to pediatric medical care is decreasing yearly, leading to a shortage of pediatricians in many places.
And because of the health insurance coverage, pediatricians are not typically present in the delivery room.
Experts suggest increasing funding is the most effective way to improve the children's healthcare system. They also recommend revising health insurance coverage to enhance newborn care.
The government must act fast and develop solutions to address the population crisis, which is crucial for Taiwan's future.
