TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government will expand its home care program for seniors with chronic illnesses as Taiwan faces an aging population and a declining birthrate, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said.
At a forum held at Fu Jen Catholic University on Saturday, Shih said that Taiwan became a super-aged society at the end of last year, with more than 4.67 million people aged 65 and older, while the number of newborns fell to a record low of 107,000. Facing rising healthcare and caregiving demands in Taiwan, the ministry aims to ease the load on major hospitals through the program and telemedicine initiatives, per CNA.
The program, starting in July 2024, provides services for people who are disabled or require ongoing antibiotics. Healthcare workers visit seniors at home to monitor their health and manage medications.
The service will also offer telemedicine and 24/7 monitoring of vital signs. More than 180 medical institutions and care providers have joined the program.
Shih noted that the government will launch a four-year, NT$24 billion (US$765 million) program to improve the effectiveness of medications. The initiative will focus on boosting domestic pharmaceutical capacity, strengthening drug inventory management, revising the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, and seeking international cooperation.
Hypertension affects 67% of seniors in Taiwan. Shih emphasized the importance of improving the National Health Insurance system, noting that chronic diseases cost NT$170 billion annually, exceeding government spending on cancer care.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said the government will spend NT$48.9 billion on a five-year program to improve the medical work environment, enhance training, and raise salaries for healthcare workers.
National Health Insurance Administration Director Chen Liang-yu (陳亮妤) said the government will also allocate NT$988.3 billion for this year's health insurance spending, an increase of NT$51.6 billion over last year, while premiums will remain unchanged.
Of this total, NT$7.76 billion will go toward children’s critical care, inpatient services, and emergency treatment. Another NT$24.9 billion will be allocated to pediatric healthcare services to help retain talent in the field.
