Taiwan’s National Health Insurance advances WHO goal of universal coverage
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In the run-up to the 23rd anniversary of the National Health Insurance (NHI)’s establishment on 1 March 1995, Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung stated in an interview with Taiwan Today that Taiwan’s NHI is a global benchmark in universal coverage and offers valuable lessons in delivering high-quality, cost-effective medical care for all. He emphasised how Taiwan’s extensive experience can help the World Health Organisation (WHO) realise its cherished goal of universal coverage as specified by Director-General Tedros Adhanom.
Since the launch of the NHI, the average life expectancy in Taiwan has risen from 74.5 to 80.2 years. This increase has drawn global recognition, with more than 50 foreign delegations visiting to learn about the programme last year alone, according to the minister. “While no national health insurance programme in the world is perfect, Taiwan’s model has been a resounding success and can serve as a reference for other nations,” he stated. Taiwan would welcome the opportunity to share its expertise by participating in the 71st World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the WHO, from 21-26 May 2018 in Geneva, he added.
