TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部) announced on Friday (Jan. 24) that Western medicine clinics and community pharmacies willing to provide medical services during the Lunar New Year holidays, from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, will receive a 30% increase in consultation and dispensing fees, with approximately NT$114 million allocated for this incentive.
The initiative came as Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC,衛生福利部疾病管制署) predicted the flu season will peak around the Lunar New Year due to the recent surge in respiratory infectious diseases. Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀), deputy minister of Health and Welfare, explained at a press conference that the current influenza-like illness is still at a high point and that the CDC will reward emergency hospitals with special respiratory infectious disease clinics from Jan. 29 to 31.
Shih Chung-liang (石崇良), director general of the National Health Insurance Administration, highlighted that this is the first incentive measure since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an estimated budget of NT$114 million. People experiencing discomfort can check the service hours of contracted clinics or pharmacies on the National Health Insurance Administration website or through the mobile app.
For inquiries during the holiday period, citizens can call the toll-free service hotline at 0800-030-598 or dial (02) 4128-678 from a mobile phone between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The National Health Insurance Administration advises maintaining a healthy diet during the New Year celebrations and practicing good personal hygiene while traveling or visiting family.