TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A coalition of doctors is urging the government to raise Taiwan’s legal drinking age from 18 to 21, citing Ministry of Health statistics showing that 30% of high school students consumed alcohol within the past 30 days.
Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital Superintendent Chao You-chen (趙有誠) told reporters on Saturday that alcohol consumption is linked to numerous health issues, including fatty liver, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, esophageal and neck cancer, gout, and hip necrosis. He emphasized that alcohol is a recognized carcinogen and accounts for NT$5.3 billion (US$161 million) in annual health insurance costs, according to CNA.
Wang Cheng-yi (王正一), an honorary professor at National Taiwan University’s College of Medicine, noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies alcohol dependence as a contributing factor to several of the world’s top 10 diseases. WHO data indicates there are 2.3 billion drinkers globally, with approximately 1 billion classified as heavy drinkers.
Wang said excessive alcohol consumption not only leads to liver and digestive system diseases but also contributes to traffic accidents caused by drunk driving and family dysfunction. His research found that over half of heavy drinkers began drinking before the age of 15. He highlighted that Japan’s legal drinking age is 20, even though it lowered the legal age for “adulthood” to 18.
National Health Insurance Administration Deputy Director-General Chen Lian-yu (陳亮妤) said alcohol-related illnesses, both physical and psychological, represent a significant portion of Taiwan’s annual health insurance expenditures. She added that reducing alcohol addiction could alleviate social issues such as domestic violence and traffic safety concerns.
Citing WHO studies, Chen said every NT$1 invested in alcohol addiction treatment yields a return of NT$7. Taiwan currently has more than 100 alcohol addiction treatment facilities.
Chen described underage drinking in Taiwan as a serious problem and advocated for enhanced prevention and treatment programs using existing laws and regulations.
