Taiwan medical 結果共83筆

This news story covers the escalating issue of obesity in Taiwan, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding childhood obesity, its long-term consequences, and the economic and health burdens it poses. Urgent actions for a healthier future are discussed.

In Taiwan, a shift towards a super-aged society is causing a significant challenge in the medical field, with an uneven distribution of young doctors across specialties leading to a potential crisis in healthcare.

Taiwan Premier Chen Chien-jen takes steps to prevent price collusion in medical institutions, emphasizing government commitment to health rights equality. Ministry of Health and Welfare cancels upper limit for registration fees at clinics, allowing price adjustments according to market mechanisms. Fair Trade Commission to intervene in case of price collusion.

The story discusses Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan’s remarks on the competition among Taiwan medical institutions and the potential impact on registration fees. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is shifting away from fixed fee recommendations, raising concerns about fee hikes. Hsueh emphasized the need for oversight to prevent collusion and unfair practices, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.

Stay informed about Taiwan’s government-funded influenza vaccination program starting on March 5. All citizens aged six months and older are now eligible for flu shots to curb the spread of the flu post-lantern festivals. High-risk groups like seniors, preschool children, and medical staff are encouraged to get vaccinated promptly. Supplies are limited, with about 70,000 doses left as of Feb. 27. Vaccine effectiveness varies by age and health condition, ranging from 30 to 80 percent.

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.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Administration in Taiwan has announced the approval of new applications for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treatment coverage. This decision comes after the passing of lawyer Chen Chun-han, a prominent advocate for wider medication coverage for SMA. SMA is a progressive neuro-muscular degenerative disease caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, impacting muscle functionality and activities such as sitting, walking, speaking, breathing, and eating. The NHI Administration has included the gene therapy drug Zolgensma, which carries a price tag of NT＄49 million, in its benefits since the second half of 2023. The criteria for medication eligibility include an upper limb motor function index (RULM) score of at least 15. There are over 400 SMA patients in Taiwan, and by the end of 2023, 158 people applied for medication, with 145 approvals. The NHI Administration plans to hold an expert meeting in March to discuss expanding access to the drugs for all SMA patients, with a potential approval in the first half of 2024.

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 - DPP spokesperson Justin Wu clarified that TPP chairman Ko Wen-je had called a DPP senior member in the medical sector to seek support for Huang Shan-shan as Legislative Speaker, pledging unconditional support for the DPP’s Deputy Speaker candidate. This comes in response to the TPP’s claim on Facebook that the DPP planned to support TPP legislator Huang Shan-shan’s bid for Speaker in exchange for supporting DPP legislator Tsai Chi-chang as Deputy Speaker. The TPP stated that they do not engage in favor exchanges with the ＂New Tide＂ faction and rejected Ko’s proposal. Wu revealed that Ko had called a senior DPP member, expressing his hope for DPP’s support for Huang Shan-shan as Speaker and for the Deputy Speaker to support the DPP’s candidate unconditionally. Wu emphasized that the DPP group only supports You Si-kun for Speaker and is open to TPP’s recommendation for Deputy Speaker, rejecting Ko’s proposal.

A surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19, has overwhelmed emergency departments in Taipei. Pulmonologist Su I-feng warns the public to closely monitor their health due to the widespread COVID-19 outbreak. The Taiwan CDC predicts a peak in flu and COVID-19 cases before the Lunar New Year. Concerns arise about a possible shortage of medical staff during this period, particularly in the emergency system. Hsieh Tsung-hsueh, director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, has already deployed staff to prepare for a potential massive influenza outbreak.

Taiwan’s Health and Welfare Minister, Hsueh Jui-yuan, has announced that a major overhaul of hospital evaluation standards is underway, with the possibility of abolishing limits on the number of medical centers. This has sparked discussions and concerns about the reliability of hospital assessments, particularly after rumors circulated that Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital may replace Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital as a frontrunner in the northern region’s medical center. Minister Hsueh assured that the core concepts of tiered medical treatment will remain unchanged, and this year’s evaluation plans will not be affected. However, he acknowledged that the evaluation standards for medical centers, which have not been updated in over 20 years, need to be reviewed. The Minister highlighted the need to amend criteria that have become outdated, such as the mandatory inclusion of an Institutional Review Board (IRB), which is now a standard practice in all hospitals. The new evaluation standards will be announced publicly after a meeting, and medical centers willing to participate will undergo a trial evaluation. A draft of the updated standards is expected to be implemented within two years, in time for the next evaluation round in three years.

Taiwan grapples with a surge in virus transmission amidst a cold front. Learn about the impact and the crucial role of vaccination and health measures in curbing the spread.

Chang Ju-shan, chairman of a renowned medical group, donates equipment worth millions to the National Fire Agency’s Special Search and Rescue Team. The donation, motivated by the team’s efforts during an international humanitarian mission in Türkiye last year, includes life detectors, drones, and CPR training devices. Chang also provides two search and rescue puppies, covering all training costs, to join the team. His contribution aims to enhance the team’s mission effectiveness and strengthen Taiwan’s role in international humanitarian rescue efforts.

53 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) deaths have been reported in Taiwan as of Jan. 23, according to the National Fire Agency (NFA). The NFA highlights that although there is no direct evidence linking these deaths to the cold weather, lower temperatures do increase the risk of sudden death. In Taipei City, six people experienced OHCA and were taken to medical facilities, but only one person was successfully revived. The average age of the victims was 80. Similarly, New Taipei City recorded eight OHCAs, with only three survivors. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, especially older adults and those with chronic illnesses, emphasizing the importance of staying warm.

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.

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.

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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.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 326 new domestic cases of COVID-19 for the week of Dec. 19-25, with 99% of the newly infected individuals not having received the XBB.1.5-adapted vaccine. The CDC also noted a rise in fatalities, with 37 deaths, of which 97% had not been vaccinated with the XBB vaccine. The CDC highlighted that the domestic COVID-19 situation is worsening, with 78% of complications and 90% of deaths affecting people over the age of 65. The global positivity rate for COVID-19 is at its peak, and cases are increasing in neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Since the introduction of the XBB vaccine in Taiwan, almost all domestically reported cases of complications and fatalities have been among unvaccinated individuals. The CDC emphasized the protective role of the vaccine, citing recent Dutch research that found it to be over 70% effective against severe infection in the elderly. The domestic rollout of the XBB vaccine has reached 769,000 doses, with a two-month peak of 68,600 doses administered during the week of Dec. 19-25. The CDC encourages mask-wearing during end-of-year gatherings and New Year’s activities, especially in crowded, poorly ventilated places or when in close contact with vulnerable individuals. Prompt medical attention is advised for those displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

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.

A Vietnamese woman in Taichung, Taiwan, was discovered by the National Immigration Agency to have operated an illegal aesthetic studio for six years, earning NT＄1 million. The woman, known as Ms. Pei, learned the craft from a compatriot after departing from her employer seven years ago. She performed unlicensed procedures such as double eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty. Ms. Pei imported unverified cosmetic injections from Vietnam and advertised her services on social media platforms, attracting Vietnamese and Indonesian customers seeking affordable beauty treatments. She was sentenced to one year and two months in prison by the Taichung District Court, but has the right to appeal the verdict.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu highlights her legislative achievements during her 412-day tenure in the Legislative Yuan. She proposed 15 bills, hosted five public hearings, and three symposiums. Notable bills include amendments to the Central Bank Act, the Social Medical Development Act, and the Assisted Reproduction Act, reflecting her dedication to improving Taiwan’s financial stability, healthcare system, and reproductive health policies. Wu believes that her policy platform will be built upon these legislative proposals as she prepares for the upcoming televised policy presentation and debate. The vice-presidential TV policy presentation is scheduled for December 22, 2024, while the debate will take place on January 1, 2024, as the 2024 elections approach.

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%.