Reported by Chou Yo-cheng

[In Taiwan,] Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan have the highest prevalence of hepatitis C. While giving a radio interview on Feb. 27, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said that in the past, injections were often administered without the use of disposable needles in rural areas, leading to a higher risk of infection. Urging those above the age of 50 to take blood tests, in the hope of reducing the number of hepatitis C and B patients by 90 percent by 2025, the vice president explained that the costs of oral treatment for hepatitis C have decreased to NT$200,000, for which the government and the National Health Insurance are capable of fully reimbursing.

【2019-02-27 / United Daily News】