medical care 結果共26筆

In Taipei, a survey by the Doctors’ Union highlights that nearly 30% of female doctors are required to work night shifts, prompting calls for amendments to the Medical Care Act to better protect pregnant and child-rearing female doctors. The Ministry of Health and Welfare emphasizes existing protections but faces challenges in enforcing these due to previous constitutional rulings. Amendments aim to allow night shifts for pregnant doctors with consent, under specific conditions, with fines for non-compliance. The situation underscores the ongoing struggle to balance medical care needs with gender equality and workers’ rights.

Explore the unfolding story of Taiwan’s former President Chen Shui-pian’s potential pardon by President Tsai Ing-wen, as the Presidential Office commits to ensuring Chen’s healthcare amidst discussions of his medical parole, public appearances, and the implications of a pardon on justice and social unity.

Wowprime Corp. offers full refunds and medical expense coverage for customers affected by suspected norovirus outbreak at Taipei Truewow and Hsiang La Spicy Hotpot restaurants from April 2-6. Company apologizes, introduces care plans, and proactively contacts domestic and international customers.

The Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief has raised over NT$140 million in donations to aid Hualien earthquake victims with disaster relief, medical care, shelter, and reconstruction. Most funds were received through LINE Pay.

President-elect Lai Ching-te’s mental health proposals have gained recognition from the medical community in Taiwan. The Taiwan Health Movement Alliance praises Lai’s initiatives, such as the ＂Mental Health Plan for Young People＂ and ＂Mental Health Leave,＂ emphasizing the importance of mental health support and early intervention. Experts recommend adopting treatment guidelines from Europe and America, focusing on psychological interventions over medication. They also suggest establishing child and adolescent psychiatry centers and promoting integrated treatment models. Lai’s advocacy for physical and mental health, along with stress management education, is seen as crucial for building a healthy Taiwan.

The head of Taipei’s health department, Chen Yen-yuan, commends the medical team’s swift response at a press conference regarding alleged medical negligence at a hospital treating victims of a suspected mass food poisoning incident at Polam Kopitiam in Xinyi District. Family members of the deceased are considering legal action, prompting immediate inter-departmental support for bereaved families. Mackay Memorial Hospital’s efforts to resuscitate a severely ill patient are defended by Chen and Dr. Yen Tzung-hai, who affirm the hospital’s diligent care and use of the best medication.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih assures public safety following a warehouse fire in Shenkeng District. Air quality tests show no hydrogen fluoride or heavy metals. Environmental agencies monitor PM2.5, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels. Safety measures include avoiding the area, keeping doors and windows shut, wearing masks, and seeking medical advice if needed. Shenkeng District’s Health Center prepares for potential medical demands, while hospitals provide emergency treatment and care for respiratory symptoms. The city government continues to oversee air and water quality examinations to ensure public safety.

Wang Cheng-hsu, successor to former Legislative Speaker You Si-kun, was sworn in as a legislator in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, pledging to enhance public health. Wang, a healthcare expert, aims to fulfill President-elect Lai Ching-te’s vision for better health care. His appointment was celebrated by former Legislator Chiu Tai-yuan, who believes Wang’s expertise will benefit Taiwan’s medical community.

Health costs are set to rise at three newly designated medical centers in Taiwan from March 1, with an increase of NT$180 in outpatient fees and NT$350 for emergency services, according to the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA). The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced on February 6 the elevation of three hospitals in northern Taiwan to medical center status: The Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, and the National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch were upgraded following the 2023 medical center hospital evaluation. NHIA Deputy Director General Parng I-ming expressed concern that the increase in basic outpatient and emergency care charges resulting from the upgrade may impact patients’ willingness to seek treatment. He vowed continuous monitoring and evaluation of the impact on the national health insurance scheme. Following the elevation of these three hospitals, it is estimated that outpatient visits will reach around 10,000 per day, and 500 emergency visits. The MOHW will closely observe potential changes in patients’ willingness to seek care and the impact on health insurance resources.

Dr. Wang Cheng-hsu, a leading hematologist oncologist, is set to join the Legislative Yuan following the resignation of You Si-kun from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). You stepped down from his legislative duties citing personal reasons after failing to secure re-election as a legislative speaker, with the Kuomintang’s (KMT) Han Kuo-yu winning the seat. Wang’s induction will make him the only representative of the medical sector among the DPP legislators, bringing a new perspective to discussions on health issues. Han’s victory in the speakership election signifies a shift in Taiwan’s political landscape.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced updates to its Rules of Medical Diagnosis and Treatment by Telecommunications, expanding telemedicine services to a larger population under certain conditions, effective July 1. Approximately 2.47 million individuals are expected to benefit from these changes. The updates aim to adapt to the post-COVID-19 healthcare landscape and extend the scope of telemedicine to five special situations, including chronic disease care, end-stage disease care, custody care in correctional facilities, care for the mobility challenged, and care during disasters, communicable diseases, or other significant changes. Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan clarified that not all patients can avail of telemedicine services, as evaluation by healthcare units is mandatory, and physicians who violate the rules may face a maximum fine of NT＄100,000. The new process combines physical outpatient services with telemedicine to reduce costs and time for patients requiring post-acute care, offering a convenient and seamless healthcare experience. The updated rules broaden the range of medical services that physicians can provide through telecommunication. Additionally, the Ministry has stated that doctors, after evaluating the patient’s stable condition, can now electronically prescribe medication for patients with chronic mental illnesses or in end-stage care, including regulated drugs like morphine.

A Singaporean man named Jake fell into a coma on his first day visiting Taiwan, prompting a fundraising campaign to cover his medical expenses. The campaign has raised 89,000 Singapore dollars (about NT＄2.09 million) as of January 18. Jake was airlifted back to Singapore after a month-long hospital stay, but remains in a vegetative state. His hospital expenses and air ambulance charges have depleted his family’s savings, amounting to 66,166 Singapore dollars (approximately NT＄1.55 million). Currently receiving treatment at Singapore General Hospital’s intensive care unit, Jake’s nightly charges are 426 Singapore dollars (roughly NT＄10,000). Although he regained consciousness on December 30 and was transferred to a general ward, severe brain damage prevents him from communicating with his family. Despite this, Jake has made progress in physical rehabilitation, being able to sit up, stand with support, and actively learn to walk.

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) has achieved a satisfaction rate of 91.2% in 2023, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). This is the first time the satisfaction rate has not decreased despite an increase in insurance costs. Previous reductions in satisfaction were observed in 2002 and 2006 due to premium increases, and in 2013 following the implementation of the second-generation NHI. The highest-rated aspects of the NHI were accessibility to medical treatment and the quality of medical care, with increased insurance costs ranking third. The satisfaction rate reached its peak during times of pandemic, likely due to the introduction of home-based medical care services and improved medical accessibility. Since 2021, the satisfaction rate has consistently remained above 90% and even reached a new all-time high during the pandemic. Taiwan has been ranked number one in the global healthcare index published by NUMBEO for the past five years. The NHI budget has also seen significant growth, increasing by over 48% from NT$590.5 billion in 2015 to NT$875.5 billion in 2024. The survey involved 3,257 participants aged 18 in Taiwan, and while public satisfaction with the NHI is high, physicians generally express lower levels of satisfaction.

A Taiwanese staff sergeant is in critical condition after losing signs of life while running during training. The Army Education, Training and Doctrine Development Command has dispatched senior officers to address the issue and has contacted the sergeant’s family. Despite receiving treatment at a hospital, the sergeant remains in a coma. The command is working closely with the hospital to provide the best medical care and will continue to prioritize the safety of other servicemen through winter health education and exercise risk management.

A Formosan black bear accidentally trapped in Taichung was rescued and transported to a medical care station in Nantou’s Jiji Township by Taiwan’s Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. The bear’s right forelimb was caught in a trap, and it was unable to free itself. A team of forest rangers hiked uphill for an hour to reach the bear, and with the assistance of a veterinarian, they successfully released it from the trap and treated its wounds. The incident may be related to the bears moving to lower altitudes due to sudden temperature drops. The agency encourages residents to report any bear intrusions or trapped bears and offers assistance with hunting tools for those in mountain villages facing threats to their crops from wild animals.

The director of the New Taipei City Education Bureau, Chang Ming-wen, changed his plans to visit a middle school student at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital after the student was attacked on campus. The student, from a junior high school in Tucheng District, is in intensive care with serious injuries from a throat-slashing incident. The attack occurred when a male student confronted a female student during lunchtime, leading to verbal and physical assault. The male student used a folding knife to inflict multiple wounds on the victim, causing severe blood loss and cardiac arrest. The school principal stated that the altercation stemmed from discontentment with noise during lunch break. Police are investigating whether there were previous tensions between the students involved. The Education Bureau has prioritized the victim’s recovery and provided full medical assistance, as well as support to the family. Supervisors, social workers, and psychologists were dispatched to the school for assistance, and preliminary counseling has been offered to the students involved. The bureau has also called for increased attention to the affected students and enhanced campus security to ensure their physical and psychological safety.

The Fire Bureau of Changhua County reported 53 emergency medical cases in the last 24 hours, including five instances of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), possibly linked to a sudden dip in temperatures due to an extreme cold wave in Taiwan. The OHCA victims, aged 65 to 87, had yet to have the exact causes determined. Although the number of emergency cases is consistent with the daily average of 54, the number of non-responsive patients increased from three to five. The CHFD advises older adults, those with cardiovascular diseases, and others susceptible to cold weather to dress warmly. The Changhua County Public Health Bureau urges anyone experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness to seek immediate medical care.

Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Hsueh Jui-yuan, has announced significant increases in subsidies for dedicated pediatricians starting in 2024. The ＂2023 Plan to Optimize Pediatric Medical Care＂ aims to improve the quality of pediatric care and attract more young practitioners to the field. The subsidy for physicians specializing in the care of each young child will double from NT$500 to NT$1,000. The optimization plan, with a total budget of NT$2.8 billion, will run from 2021 to 2024, with NT$2 billion allocated for 2024 alone. The implementation of the dedicated pediatrician system across the nation underscores the investment made in this critical healthcare sector. Currently, 22 counties and municipalities have implemented the dedicated pediatrician system for children aged 0 to 3, and since November, it has expanded to include newborns. There are currently 1,882 dedicated pediatricians serving over 184,000 young children across 1,048 medical institutions, bringing the national coverage rate to 40.5%.

During a cold snap in Taiwan from Dec. 15 to 17, there was an increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA), with 165 cases reported. However, the National Fire Agency clarified that not all incidents were directly caused by the cold temperatures. In the Taipei and New Taipei metropolitan areas, there were 18 cases of OHCA due to internal medical conditions, resulting in 13 deaths and 5 successful resuscitations. The New Taipei City Fire Department has issued a warning about the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases during the temperature drop, urging individuals with chronic illnesses to take extra care. The department also advises the public to be vigilant for symptoms and to call emergency assistance immediately if needed.

Taipei Show Chwan Hospital Director Cheng Cheng-chieh incurred a substantial medical bill and received minimal compensation from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) after suffering two broken ribs in a skiing accident in the US. Despite being treated at the largest emergency room in Anchorage for over six hours, Cheng only had a six-minute conversation with doctors. The most significant charge on his bill, which totaled approximately NTD＄500,000, was NTD＄280,000 for computed tomography (CT) scans. Upon returning to Taiwan, Cheng applied for overseas medical coverage from the NHI and was only reimbursed NTD $3,704, a stark contrast to the estimated cost of emergency care in Taiwan. Cheng’s experience highlights the financial risks of high medical costs abroad that are not fully covered by Taiwan’s health insurance system.

President Tsai Ing-wen attended the inauguration ceremony for the National Defense Medical Center’s new Tactical Combat Casualty Care and Disaster Medical Assistance Training Building, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving military capabilities. The state-of-the-art facility integrates virtual and augmented reality technologies for realistic battlefield medical scenarios and has trained nearly 3,800 medical personnel this year. The building also aims to enhance medical skills and advance national defense education through collaborations with various institutions.

Taiwan’s Health and Welfare Minister, Hsueh Jui-yuan, has announced the launch of a telemedicine project next week to meet the growing demand for virtual diagnosis and long-distance clinical services. The telehealth initiative, set to debut in April next year, will not only cover acute and long-term care but also extend to chronic treatments, serious accidents, infectious cases, and care for people with disabilities. The National Health Insurance Administration estimates that over seven million people will benefit from these telehealth reforms. However, concerns have been raised by Legislator Lai Hui-yuan regarding the overdue project and the NHIA’s plans to boost digital health in Taiwan. The NHIA Department of Medical Affairs Director, Liu Lin-yi, responded by stating that telemedicine services became accessible to general patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 460 thousand patients receiving diagnoses through video calls. To ensure a smooth digital transition, MOHW Health Division Chief Liu Yueh-Ping emphasized the need for standards and the completion of necessary setups within six months.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan has announced the enrollment of all newborn babies in the nationwide ＂Project of Holistic Physicians for Young Children.＂ Parents with children under the age of three are also encouraged to participate in the project at no additional cost. The project has seen positive results since its launch, treating cases of prolonged jaundice and tracking patients for fluoride treatment and developmental delays. Enrollment numbers show that 37.6% of the nation’s population has participated, with an increase in participation from vulnerable families and groups. The project aims to identify developmental delays and provide integrated systems for health and social care services, particularly for children in high-risk families. The Ministry is working to increase accessibility by engaging hospitals at all levels and allowing parents to choose their preferred medical institutions registered for the project.

President Tsai Ing-wen’s delegation visit to Eswatini strengthens diplomatic ties and collaboration in public health, medical care, and women’s empowerment. The visit marks important anniversaries in relations between the two nations.

According to recent statistics from the Taiwan Pediatric Association, this year’s recruitment rate for pediatric residents has fallen to 70%, marking a decline from previous years.