Home-based emergency medical care pilot program launches

The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) has launched a pilot program for home-based emergency care from July 1. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) stated that this project is a milestone for Taiwan's medical services during his Tuesday morning visit to the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital to learn about the new service. (Photo credit: CNA)

The NHIA details that through the use of telemedicine and delivered materials, patients can now choose to receive emergency diagnosis and treatment at home. A care team comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists will visit and provide remote vital sign monitoring and testing, reducing visits and hospitalizations. This will in turn reduce the risk of cross-infection in medical facilities, promoting not only convenience but also peace of mind.

NHIA Director General Shih Chung-Liang (石崇良) says that according to statistics, roughly one-third of emergency room patients have hospitalization needs, of which 80% are due to infectious diseases. He elaborates that 60% to 80% of these cases can be cared for outside of a hospital and at a lower cost. Shih says that the project has set a target of treating 10,000 people in its first year.

The president points out that Taiwan will enter a super-aged society next year, and must accelerate progress towards an era of integrated care. He says that the home-based emergency care program integrated services embody the spirit of his proposed long-term care plan and adds that the government will work hard to build a healthy Taiwan.