President Lai's “Healthy Taiwan” pledge aims to reduce the cancer mortality rate by one-third. Dr. Shih Chung-Liang, Director-General of the NHIA, announced on the 19th that the NHI plans to cover all TFDA-approved indications of immunotherapies for breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Given the significant costs of this decision, the NHIA is currently negotiating prices with drug companies, aiming to implement the policy as early as the first half of this year. This initiative will align NHI-reimbursed cancer treatments with international standard treatment guidelines.
Dr. Shih noted that the NHI spent NT$6 billion on new drugs last year, nearly double the amount spent two years ago. This year, an additional ring-fenced cancer drug fund of NT$5 billion has been introduced, bringing the annual budget for new drugs to NT$10 billion. This increase provides Taiwan with an opportunity to catch up with international treatment standards. By offering doctors more treatment options, the NHIA hopes to help patients regain their health.
Dr. Shih mentioned that approximately 880,000 patients are treated for cancer every year, with the largest group of 180,000 receiving treatment for breast cancer. Since last year, the NHI has added six breast cancer drugs to its coverage, costing NT$1.7 billion and benefiting about 7,000 patients. As drug research and development advances towards precision medicine, the NHI strives to provide the best treatment options for patients.
Dr. Shih mentioned that medical associations have highlighted the lack of immunotherapies in the current breast cancer treatment options covered by the NHI. To address this issue, the NHIA plans to include immunotherapies not only for breast cancer but also for lung and colorectal cancers, covering all TFDA-approved indications. The NHIA is currently negotiating prices with drug companies and hopes to implement this new reimbursement policy in the first half of this year.
Dr. Shih stated that NHI-reimbursed cancer treatments are likely to fully align with international standard treatment guidelines. To use the funds wisely, it is essential to ensure the accuracy and quality of treatment. Therefore, the NHIA plans to introduce a payment-by-performance measure in the second half of this year, initially targeting breast cancer treatments. The payment-by-performance system provides financial incentives based on performance, aiming to improve overall healthcare service quality.
Dr. Chen Shou-Tung, President of the Taiwan Breast Cancer Society, pointed out that certain indications of the new generation of ADCs have been included in the NHI Benefit Scheme since February. The reimbursement of immunotherapies will complete the treatment program. With a comprehensive range of treatment options, healthcare professionals bear the responsibility of reducing the breast cancer mortality rate.
【2025-03-19 / Liberty Times】
