In response to a new book on the looming threats to the National Health Insurance (NHI), National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) Director General Shih Chung-liang during forum on Sept. 29 outlined ongoing measures to ensure the sustainability of the NHI system.

Dr. Chang Hong-jen, a former head of the Bureau of National Health Insurance, the predecessor organization to the NHIA, in his recently published book titled “What the Government Does not Dare Tell You About the NHI,” said that continued underinvestment and flaws in the design of the healthcare system will eventually lead to sever generational divide.

In response, Director General Shih said that although the NHI is challenged by factors including insufficient spending that only account for around 7 percent of GDP; a low 4 percent growth in the annual NHI global budget that is unable to keep pace with the 10 percent annual rise drug reimbursement expenses which have left out many new drugs and orphan drugs; as well as growing demand for healthcare resources as a result of a rapidly aging population that are supported by fewer younger workers.

As a result, a severe generational divide looms as the younger workers are facing a heavier burden to support the elderly who require more healthcare resources which are getting more expensive each year, Director General Shih said.

In face of these challenges the government has taken steps to adopt digital health solutions, Director General Shih said, noting that the NHI has been operating in the red for many years since its establishment, and as the system has continued to operate, there is no signs that it will collapse.

Director General Shih said that building agility and resilience will be key to the NHI's future, and that authorities are planning reforms to improve the sustainability of the NHI through the adoption of family medicine, telemedicine, precision medicine and digital medicine and digital solutions.

[2023-9-30/United Daily News]