The NHIA recently announced that it will stop reimbursing 14 instruction drugs starting August 1st. According to the NHI Law, instruction drugs are not covered by the NHI. However, the exit process for these drugs has been very slow. The Taiwan Medical Association has expressed concerns about stopping the reimbursement of instruction drugs and has requested the authorities to assess this issue with great care. Dr Chiu Tai-Yuan, the MOHW Minister, replied that the authorities will continue to phase out instruction drugs from the NHI Benefit Scheme to comply with the NHI Law. This process will be carried out with patients’ interests and the quality of medication and healthcare in mind.

The NHI Law clearly excludes the reimbursement of non-prescription drugs. However, when the NHI came into effect, more than 1,200 instruction drugs were provided under the NHI in consideration of the public's medical treatment habits. The NHIA intends to gradually exclude them from the NHI; yet, as of now, there are still over 800 items in the Benefit Scheme.

The NHIA's latest announcement indicates that, starting August 1st, 14 instruction drugs will no longer be available under the NHI. Most of these are vitamins, digestive enzymes, and health foods. The NHIA reassured that their removal will not affect patients’ rights.  Ms Chang Hui-Ping of the NHIA stated that this removal will save NT$278,000 for the NHI.

The MOHW Minister was asked whether it is possible to completely exclude all instruction drugs from the NHI Benefit Scheme. The Minister replied that the NHI Law has certain regulations on instruction drugs, and the government always prioritizes the protection of the public's health. The government will continue to work hard to implement the law without compromising healthcare quality, said the Minister.

【2024-06-25 / United Daily】