Ministry of Health 結果共74筆

Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has announced that no detection of Cimbuterol, a feed additive used to promote leanness in animals, has been found in domestically-produced pork. This preliminary result dismisses concerns about the domestic pork supply being tainted with the substance. In the past, Taiwan Sugar Corporation’s pork slices were found to contain Cimbuterol, causing public concern. The Ministry of Agriculture has inspected 633 pre-market samples, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare has tested 73 post-market samples, with only one sample in Taichung city detecting Cimbuterol. The Health Ministry will strengthen random inspections for ractopamine in pork products and increase the number of annual inspections. The government will also enhance scrutiny of Cimbuterol imports and establish an expert group to assess the risk source at each link. The administration remains committed to ensuring the sanitary safety of pork products and monitoring related residues in various channels. Relevant authorities are dedicated to meeting Taiwan’s veterinary drug residue limits in foods.

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.

Taipei’s Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare questions Taichung City’s decision to publicly announce the presence of Cimbuterol in local pork produce, insisting on a thorough investigation before disclosure. Taichung City’s Office of Food and Drug Safety found the banned substance in frozen pork slices produced by TaiSugar. The city health bureau defended the immediate announcement, citing the need to protect consumers and citizens’ health interests. The Executive Yuan expressed doubts about the test results, citing unusually low levels of Cimbuterol detected and suggesting further investigations. Taichung City’s Office of Food and Drug Safety informed Pingtung County’s Public Health Bureau and Tainan’s Public Health Bureau for further investigation. Organizations like the Executive Yuan’s Consumer Protection Committee and the Consumers’ Foundation tend to directly announce results when adulterated products are found, justifying Taichung’s disclosure. The office conducted three tests using two methodologies, with one result exceeding the quantitative limit. Only TaiSugar’s product tested positive for Cimbuterol. TaiSugar has called for a re-examination of the test results and sent the sample to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Food and Drug Administration for reinspection.

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that no traces of the drug Cimbuterol were found in TaiSugar’s frozen pork slice products. The Taichung City Government previously reported the presence of 0.002ppm of Cimbuterol in pork cuts manufactured by TaiSugar. However, the Ministry of Agriculture disputed this claim, stating that tests on both pig hair from the farm of origin and samples from the same batch of pork products were negative for beta-agonists. Wang Der-yuan, the FDA deputy director, emphasized that Cimbuterol is not approved for use in humans or animals and is primarily used as a standard sample in laboratories. The FDA conducted examinations of three samples of TaiSugar’s pork products using the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s protocol for testing veterinary drug residues, and the results showed no traces of Cimbuterol.

DPP Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time. She underwent rapid testing in Miaoli due to congestion symptoms, which confirmed her infection. Despite her diagnosis, Hsiao diligently followed the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s guidelines, wearing a double mask and avoiding contact with others. She completed two events in Miaoli under these conditions but had to cancel subsequent activities to protect the public. Hsiao expressed regret to her supporters for not being able to interact with them and informed President-elect Lai Ching-te about her diagnosis.

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.

The Taiwanese government, led by Premier Chen Chien-jen, has emphasized its commitment to handling issues with the social media platform TikTok with precision. The government aims to address potential misinformation on social platforms to enhance public literacy and has warned of legal sanctions for spreading false information. The Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau recently established a Cognitive Warfare Research Center, which has raised concerns about potential infringements on freedom of speech. Chen highlighted the use of TikTok in advancing cognitive warfare efforts in some countries and the need for stricter government scrutiny. Taiwan has already banned the use of TikTok in government sectors since 2020. Chen argued that autocratic nations often exploit democratic societies’ free speech to influence elections through social media. He reiterated Taiwan’s status as a free and democratic country ruled by law, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to protect freedom of speech. Chen also highlighted the threats posed by spreading false or misinformation to reputation, health, privacy, societal stability, and national security. He called on democracies worldwide to approach this issue with caution.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has successfully implemented a mental health support program for young people, serving 17,000 individuals by the end of 2023. The program offers three free counseling sessions for individuals aged 15 to 30, with 33% of users assessed as high-risk and referred for medical treatment. The majority of users are between the ages of 24 and 30, comprising 66% of the total users. The program has received positive feedback, with a satisfaction rate of 96% and 95% of participants finding the counseling services beneficial. The initiative has utilized approximately 50% of its budget and will continue to provide counseling even after its completion. Currently, 406 partner institutions nationwide contribute mental health services to the program. MOHW aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health counseling and encourages young people to actively seek help. The ministry plans to further accumulate psychological medical resources to serve the needs of young people. The program was launched on August 1, 2022, through collaboration between seven leading professional medical and psychological associations.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has received nearly 120,000 donations, amounting to over NT＄392 million for the ＂Noto Peninsula disaster relief fund.＂ Following a 7.6-magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day 2024, the MOHW established a specialized account for aid and reconstruction efforts in Japan, which will accept donations until Friday. The Department of Social Assistance and Social Work, under the MOHW, has been accepting contributions since January 5. Donations can be made through convenience stores and bank transfers, and the collected funds will be handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for disaster relief. To ensure transparency and facilitate tax purposes, the MOHW has created a service website where donors can provide their relevant information after making a contribution.

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.

Tigerair Taiwan transported six boxes of disaster relief goods, including winter blankets, to Japan following the devastating earthquake. Chairman Kevin Chen believes the airline’s extensive network and frequent flights can provide significant support to disaster areas. Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has established a dedicated disaster relief account to receive donations. The Taiwan Development Association for Disaster Medical Teams, the first non-governmental organization from Taiwan, has entered the hard-hit Suzu City in Japan to provide medical relief. Relief efforts from Taiwanese civil groups continue, despite the Japanese government’s refusal of official aid from several countries. This demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to assisting international neighbors in times of crisis.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture is recruiting four dog handlers for its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency. The positions offer a starting salary of NT＄37,769 per month, plus an additional NT＄7,700 allowance for outstations. Handlers must have at least one year of related experience and be available for shifts and business travel. They also need a good understanding of dogs, an outgoing personality, and the ability to work independently. The positions are divided among Taipei Songshan Airport, Taoyuan International Airport, and Kinmen Shuitou Pier, with potential relocation to Kaohsiung Airport or Taichung Airport.

Taiwan has received 462,800 doses of Novavax’s XBB vaccine, with distribution starting on January 9, 2023, according to the Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control (CDC). In May of this year, Taiwan categorized Covid-19 as a class 4 endemic disease, similar to seasonal flu. The decision was based on clinical trial reports and immunization recommendations from the U.S., the European Union (EU), and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). Unvaccinated individuals are advised to receive two doses of 0.5mL each, administered at least four weeks apart. Those who have already received a COVID-19 vaccine should receive a single dose of 0.5mL, provided at least three months have passed since their last dose. The domestically available XBB vaccine includes those produced by Moderna and Novavax, and recipients can choose either brand for vaccination.

Taiwan’s health ministry has announced the establishment of the Center for Health Policy and Technology Assessment (CHPTA) with an investment of nearly NT＄200 million from the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA). The CHPTA aims to expedite the review process for newly insured drugs by implementing parallel reviews. Starting from New Year’s Day in 2024, the new system is expected to significantly shorten the time required for reviewing newly insured drugs from an average of 13 months to 6 months. Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan emphasized that national health insurance plays a stabilizing role in Taiwanese society and disapproved of major amendments, ruling out the possibility of a ＂third generation health insurance.＂ He also expressed the belief that drug pricing policies under the health insurance system need reform, making the launch of CHPTA a significant reform effort.

The Customs Tariff Commission of China’s State Council has announced that starting from January 1 next year, it will suspend the application of preferential tariffs for 12 categories of chemically imported goods from Taiwan, including propylene and paraxylene. China claims that Taiwan violates ECFA regulations by imposing discriminatory trade measures for products exported from China, and a trade barrier investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed these restrictions as a trade barrier. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accuses China of political manipulation and bypassing WTO dispute mechanisms. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) states that the export value of ECFA’s early harvest list to China has been decreasing, projected to retract to pre-ECFA levels by year-end. The MOEA proposes managing cross-strait economic disputes under the WTO mechanism and encourages China to do the same.

Lung cancer in Chiayi City is the leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for nearly one-fifth of all cancer-related deaths in Taiwan. The recent death of Tsai Wen-hsu, a veteran councilor from the Democratic Progressive Party, has highlighted the importance of early cancer detection. Former Chiayi City mayor and minister of the Department of Health, Twu Shiing-jer, emphasized the need for preventive medicine and comprehensive screening. Statistics show that early-stage lung cancer has a significantly higher five-year survival rate. To address this issue, the Ministry of Health and Welfare launched an early lung cancer detection program, making Taiwan a leader in lung cancer screening. The program targets individuals with a family history of the disease and heavy smokers, offering low-dose CT scans every two years. However, while screening can detect lung cancer early, it cannot prevent the disease. Public health officials recommend smoking cessation services and rejecting smoking to mitigate the risk of lung cancer.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) in Taiwan is planning to promote digitalization in healthcare, with a focus on incorporating digital development into healthcare quality metrics. This initiative aligns with national policy directives and aims to support the national plan for digital policy. The successful pilot of virtual National Health Insurance (NHI) cards during the COVID-19 pandemic was highlighted as part of the broader commitment to digitalization. The MOHW, with support from the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA), is providing technological budget support for the cloud-based transition of health insurance systems at grassroots clinics. The goals of Taiwan’s digitalization healthcare system include reducing manpower on the medical end, improving healthcare quality, and increasing convenience for patients. The future strategy of the MOHW will combine financial subsidies with policy mandates, starting with medical centers. The plan is to encourage the integration of digital development into healthcare quality assessment, with the aim of fostering innovation, reducing labor costs, and enhancing healthcare quality.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has addressed reports of an extramarital affair involving Secretary General Hsu Chao-cheng, expressing hopes that he will handle the matter appropriately. Hsu himself acknowledged the affair on Facebook, apologizing to his wife, family, and colleagues. The affair was brought to light by Mirror Media, which revealed frequent interactions between Hsu and a female subordinate, identified as Chen. Colleagues reported seeing them together watching movies and shopping. Deputy Minister Jih-Haw Chou of the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that if any aspect of the affair relates to official duties, it will be further investigated.

The Legislative Yuan’s Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee reviewed proposed amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act, including one that would allow a surviving spouse to use embryos for having children after the death of their partner. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is considering expanding the legislation to include same-sex couples, single individuals, and surrogate pregnancies. Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan suggested a public hearing to gather feedback due to the ethical, legal, and child welfare considerations involved. The current law only permits assisted reproduction for married couples, excluding single women and lesbian couples. Taiwan also does not currently recognize surrogacy as legal, creating unresolved issues regarding the parental status of children born through such arrangements. The debate reflects the government’s attempt to address societal changes and demographic challenges, particularly concerns about population decline.

Recent bed bug sightings in a Taipei hotel raise concerns in Taiwan. The Ministry of Environment advises on prevention methods and stresses the importance of public education and government initiatives to tackle the resurgence.

Legislators at the Legislative Yuan are demanding that the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) clearly define ＂fresh milk＂ to differentiate between imported milk and domestically-produced fresh milk in order to protect local dairy farmers. This demand comes as the 10-year anniversary of the economic cooperation agreement known as ANZTEC between New Zealand and Taiwan approaches, which will bring about a zero-tariff policy by 2025. The MOA has committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to discuss the criteria for defining ’fresh milk.’ Proposals suggest establishing a clear distinction between domestic raw milk and imported liquid milk to ensure stability in contracts between dairy farmers and milk product manufacturers. It is argued that due to high-temperature sterilization and long-distance transportation, imported milk products should be categorized differently from fresh milk produced and stocked within Taiwan. The Acting Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih stated that the storage period and processing issues for ’fresh milk’ will be discussed in consultation with the MOHW, and milk labels will be revised to emphasize ＂Taiwan fresh milk＂ for market segmentation, preserving the label exclusively for domestically produced fresh milk. Currently, the national definition of ＂fresh milk＂ refers to raw cow’s milk processed with heating, sterilization, and refrigeration for consumption without specifying a shelf life.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has forecasted that northeasterly winds carrying pollutants from Shanghai have intensified over the past 24 hours, leading to poor air quality in Taiwan between Friday and Sunday. The western half of Taiwan has been issued an orange code alert for air quality, with some areas potentially reaching red alert statuses. The CWA warns that air quality is unlikely to improve in the next two days, with the southern regions expected to experience an accumulation of pollution due to weaker winds. The Ministry of Environment advises the public, especially sensitive groups like the elderly and children, to minimize outdoor activities and reduce the use of public transportation to help lessen the emission of pollutants. Residents are urged to stay updated and take necessary precautions to protect their health.

This news story from Taipei covers the concerning rise in child abuse cases in Taiwan, as reported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Child Welfare League. It explores public attitudes and the prevalence of child discipline in public spaces, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proper parenting education.

Taiwan Premier Chen Chien-jen has announced that mainland Chinese students who have completed their academic registration for six months will be included in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) program, similar to foreign and overseas Taiwanese students. The new policy is set to take effect on Feb. 1, 2024. Chen emphasized the universal value and fundamental human right of health, and highlighted that the new policy will aid in epidemic prevention efforts. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) will announce the new regulations in accordance with the Enforcement Rules of the National Health Insurance Act. Chen also urged related government bodies to prepare administrative procedures and effectively communicate with mainland students. Currently, overseas Taiwanese and foreign students who have resided in Taiwan for more than six months with a residence certificate can apply for NHI coverage through their schools. Foreign students are required to pay NT$826 per person per month for their NHI package.

The Ministry of Education’s Sports Administration in Taiwan has announced a significant reform to student fitness assessments. Sit-ups will be replaced with curl-ups in order to enhance safety and comprehensiveness in evaluating students’ physical fitness. These changes, which will take effect on August 1, 2024, also include the option to test cardiovascular endurance using diverse and internationally trending methods. The revised regulations are tailored for students aged 10 to under 23 years old and aim to provide a more holistic assessment of physical abilities. The reform allows instructors to select testing methods based on environmental conditions, ensuring safety and accuracy. These changes align with international standards and aim to promote robust and health-conscious youth.