Reported by Huang Si-Chi

The purpose of the NHI system is to take care of patients.  In most countries, patients are invited to join experts in discussing reimbursement issues.  However, the NHI Board in Taiwan does not allocate any seats for patients’ groups.  The Taiwan Alliance of Patients’ Organizations urged the NHI to revise the NHI Board regulations and give patients’ groups regular seats in the NHI Board so as to protect patients’ rights.

The lack of patients’ involvement

In most countries, patients are involved in the discussions about health regulations, the management of healthcare institutes, the assessment of health technology and whether new drugs and new technologies should be reimbursed.  The NHI Board in Taiwan is responsible for determining the premium rates, NHI reimbursement items, the NHI global budget, etc.  However, patients are not involved in those discussions which are critical for them.  The Taiwan Alliance of Patients’ Organizations has been petitioning to the MOHW for including patients’ groups in the NHI Board.  According to the Alliance, there is one seat for patients, but no seats for patients’ groups.

To create a “patient-centered” healthcare system

Currently, the NHI Board includes 10 seats for hospitals, 9 seats for the representatives of the insured and just 1 seat for patient.  Patients’ voices have been ignored. The Board’s composition goes against the principle of “patient-centered care” advocated by the WHO and the IAPO.  Though Taiwan has the world’s best healthcare system, we are falling behind in the aspect of “patient-centered care”.

To add seats for patients’ groups in the NHI Board

The Taiwan Alliance of Patients’ Organizations expressed that the “patient-centered care” advocated by the WHO highlights patients’ role in the healthcare system.  Therefore, patients’ voices have to be heard.  The Alliance uses the platform for public policies to petition for giving patients’ groups seats in the NHI Board with two seats for the Alliance under guarantee.  The Alliance hopes that patients’ involvement will help to implement the “patient-centered care” and lead to a win-win for everyone.

【2019-01-08/ Health News】