The MOHW has officially disclosed the outcomes of the accreditation of medical centers in Northern Taiwan. Notably, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, MOHW's Shuang Ho Hospital, and NTUH Hsin-Chu Branch have been promoted to medical centers. This development contributes to a noteworthy expansion, bringing the total number of medical centers in Northern Taiwan to twelve.

Hospitals are subject to accreditation once every four years, but the previous cycle was disrupted by the pandemic, leading to its cancellation. The highly anticipated results of this accreditation, initially expected at the end of last year, were delayed, prompting widespread speculation. Finally, it has been disclosed that the greater Taipei area has gained two new medical centers, both located in New Taipei City. Dr Hsueh Jui-Yuan, the MOHW Minister, has conveyed that this development is pivotal in achieving a more equitable distribution of healthcare resources.

Since the upgrade of medical centers involves an increase in NHI service claims, it is estimated that the two new medical centers in New Taipei City will collectively necessitate an additional 160 million NHI points.  Considering that the population in the northern district (Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli) has reached 4 million, it is appropriate to have a new medical center.   The newly appointed medical center in Hsin-Chu is projected to incur about 56 million more NHI points.  However, the MOHW Minister expresses confidence that the financial impact is not deemed overly significant.

The hospital accreditation standards have remained unchanged for more than two decades. Dr Hsueh has emphasized on multiple occasions the need for a comprehensive overhaul of these standards. A draft guidance is planned for release within the next two years. Following its release, a pilot program will be initiated, with the aim of officially implementing the revised standards in the subsequent accreditation cycle.

【2024-02-07/ Liberty Time】