As COVID 19 spreads fast in Taiwan, the NHIA introduced the “zero contact consultation service” in order to reduce the contact between healthcare professionals and patients.  So far, 4012 healthcare providers are now able to deliver consultation services through video calls.   Patients with chronic diseases whose conditions are deemed stable by their doctors are able to receive follow-up consultation through telephone.  This tentative order is implemented from now until May 28.

According to the NHI data, about 76.6 million repeat prescriptions are issued to a total of 7 million patients with chronic conditions in Taiwan.  Among them, 46.2 million repeat prescriptions are filled by hospitals and 30.3 million are filled by community pharmacies.

Dr Lee Po-Chang, the General Director of NHIA, suggested that repeat prescription holders could access outpatient services through video calls with their usual health clinics or hospitals and receive their repeat prescriptions.  Telephone service is available to patients whose conditions are deemed stable.  This contingency measure will be in place from now until May 28.

【2021-05-20 / Liberty Times】