TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Getting a vaccine, going for a health checkup, or completing a cancer screening could soon come with rewards, as Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare unveils a new initiative.

The “health points” system, set to launch in the first quarter of next year, is designed to encourage preventive healthcare. Participants will earn points for activities ranging from free flu vaccinations to self-paid medical screenings, which can later be redeemed for health-related products or services, according to CNA.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) noted that participation in cancer screening programs has stagnated in recent years, despite widespread awareness of their importance. He explained that traditional public health messages often focus on long-term benefits, such as staying healthier or reducing national health insurance costs, which can feel abstract to many.

The new program aims to provide immediate, tangible incentives for motivation. Points could be used with private partners, including gyms, pharmacies, or wellness brands, to offset the cost of memberships, supplements, or other health products.

The ministry is finalizing the program’s details, beginning with publicly funded initiatives in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Promotion Administration. Future partnerships may involve the Ministry of Education and the Sports Administration to broaden participation.

According to the World Health Organization, early detection and appropriate treatment make some of the most common cancers, such as breast, cervical, oral, and colorectal, highly curable.

Taiwan began expanding its publicly funded cancer screening program in 2010, and by 2024, screenings for cervical, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers had reached approximately 4.4 million people. These efforts detected around 48,000 precancerous lesions and roughly 10,000 cancer cases.