Patient groups have been campaigning for years to participate in the NHI drug listing decision process. In response to these appeals, the NHIA has gradually begun involving patient representatives in the review process. Since 2019, patient representatives have been granted the right to observe joint establishment meetings for drugs and special materials. This year, they will be formally given seats to represent the insured in these meetings. Mr. Pang I-Ming, Deputy Director of the NHIA, stated that this is the best solution to increase patient involvement in the NHI decision-making process without violating the NHI Act.

According to Article 41 of the NHI Act, the listing of reimbursed medical services and drugs should be jointly established by the insurer and representatives of interested institutions, experts and scholars, the insured, employers, service providers, and others, while taking into account the opinions of drug suppliers and patient groups. Mr. Pang noted that the law grants patients the right to provide comments but does not explicitly state that they may join the meetings as formal members. The NHIA has resolved this regulatory conundrum by appointing patients as representatives of the insured, demonstrating the government’s commitment to increasing patient involvement in NHI reimbursement decisions.

Regarding the composition of the NHI Joint Establishment Meeting, Mr. Pang stated that the definitions of "employers" and "the insured" are quite broad, which gives the NHIA leeway to include patients in the meeting. The NHI Board nominates patient groups to participate in the Joint Establishment Meeting, as the Borad already includes seats for patient representatives.

However, the nominated patient groups have complained that the NHIA gave them only one day to submit their list of recommended representatives for the Joint Establishment Meeting, which they felt was too rushed. Mr. Pang explained that this was due to a delay in the formation of the members for this term, which affected all related administrative meetings and procedures.

Mr. Pang explained that the NHIA hopes this model of increased patient participation will continue into the future. The CDC is already inviting patients to attend their HTA-related training courses.

【2025-04-09 / United Daily】