Some media reported that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is soon to be available under the NHI. The CDC clarified on the 9th that this is a rumour. PrEP is a preventive medicine which is not within the NHI reimbursement scope.
The CDC pointed out that some media reported in 2017 that the NHI was to reimburse PrEP as soon as from August 2017. This unfounded report is circulating again recently.
The CDC clarified that PrEP is a preventive medicine which is given to people before being exposed to HIV. However, the NHI only pays for the HIV treatments. It does not extend to the preventive medication, even though preventive measures could help to reduce the risk of infection and hence cut the cost of follow-up treatments.
The CDC is running a PrEP program in 2018-2019 based on the collaboration with 38 healthcare providers. This program provides financial aid for the spouses or partners of HIV patients, as well as people under 30-year-old at substantial risk of HIV infection. Only those who have passed doctors’ assessment are qualified for the program.
In addition to medication, the PrEP Program also provides integrated services, including health education, case management, STDs screening, drug addiction and mental status assessment, treatment and referral. Participants have to pay for the registration fees, consultation fees, drug dispensing fees, testing, etc. It is not completely free.
The CDC expressed that doctors will assess the liver function and hepatitis B infection status before prescribing PrEP. The CDC also urged the public to stop disseminating unfounded rumour. The public could visit the CDC’s website for more information about PrEP.
【2019-06-09 / News Talk】
