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New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
A healthier world through Taiwan's proven healthcare model
LETTERS Health is a fundamental human right and a universal value. Improved health results in greater well-being for the people and has ramifications for the survival and development of a country and even the world. At the 77th World Health Assembly, members adopted the World Health Organisation (WHO) Fourteenth General Programme of Work for 2025-2028. The programme includes such strategic objectives as improving health service coverage and bolstering financial protections to ensure universal health coverage. WHO has called on all countries to take action on these issues. As concerns rise over universal health coverage, Taiwan launched the National Health Insurance (NHI) system in 1995. The scheme, which brought together already existing occupational insurance schemes, has reached its 30th year and now covers 99.9 per cent of the population. The NHI system provides equitable, accessible, and efficient healthcare to all people in Taiwan. It is also an important pillar and guarantor of Taiwan's social stability as well as people's health and safety. It has, moreover, become a global benchmark for achieving universal health coverage. In an annual survey carried out by Numbeo, Taiwan has been ranked first in the Health Care Index category for seven consecutive years. The NHI operates on a pay-as-you-go, self-sustaining model capable of addressing the financial challenges posed by an ageing population and rising healthcare costs. By reforming premium rates and adding additional funding sources, such as the tobacco health and welfare surcharge, the system is on a sound, sustainable footing. To promote the health of our people, President Lai Ching-te articulated a vision of a healthy Taiwan in 2024. This aims to ensure that people are healthy, the nation is strong, and the world is more ready to embrace Taiwan. Remaining focused on people, families, and communities, we are expanding health promotion operations and preventive healthcare. Moreover, we are implementing a family physician plan, offering comprehensive care to patients with chronic diseases, and utilising telemedicine to improve healthcare accessibility in rural areas. By promoting integrated long-term care, palliative care, and ageing in place, we ensure holistic, lifelong, and dignified care for all people, realising health equity. In 2021, WHO released the Global Strategy on Digital Health for 2020-2025. Under this plan, the global health body is seeking the development and adoption of person-centric digital health solutions to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases. It is also overseeing development of infrastructure and applications to use health data to promote health and well-being. Taiwan continues to utilise its prowess in information and communications technology to build effective, high-ROI health systems and services. The NHI cloud facilitates the more efficient exchange of medical records, while the adoption of international standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources enhances international medical data sharing. Additionally, the incorporation of AI-assisted technologies is advancing the development of smart healthcare. And the introduction of a virtual health insurance card and the My Health Bank app, which enables real-time management of personal health data, empowers people to make health-enabling choices. In 2008, Taiwan introduced the Health Technology Assessment to facilitate evidence-based policymaking. It also accelerated the inclusion of new treatments under the NHI system. For example, in 2023, gene and cell therapies were covered for the first time, marking a new era for precision medicine and offering patients enhanced treatment options. Taiwan also continues to leverage innovative technologies to improve the working environment for the medical workforce and to bolster the overall quality of medical service. What's more, despite facing political challenges, Taiwan has continuously participated in international health affairs and has been dedicated to supporting the global health system. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Taiwan played a crucial role in sharing supplies, strategies, and experiences, and proved to be a reliable partner of countries worldwide. Separately, Taiwan's success story in implementing universal health coverage offers valuable lessons for countries worldwide. As we continue to share our experiences in universal coverage, financial management, and digital health, we hope to facilitate other nations in reaching WHO's goal of universal health coverage. In this rapidly changing era, health challenges transcend borders, and global cooperation has become essential to addressing various health crises. However, Taiwan has been prevented from participating in WHO—the foremost global health cooperation body—due to China's continued distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1. Neither of these resolutions mentions Taiwan or declares that Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China. Therefore, these resolutions have no power to confer upon the PRC any right to represent Taiwan in WHO. In light of this, and to uphold the core UN values of inclusiveness and universality, we urge WHO and all relevant parties to recognise Taiwan's considerable contributions to global public health and the human right to health. It is imperative that WHO adopt a more open-minded approach and demonstrate flexibility, adhering to the principles of professionalism and inclusivity. Taiwan should be included, as a matter of pragmatism, in the World Health Assembly and all WHO meetings, activities, and mechanisms, particularly those concerned with the WHO pandemic agreement. Taiwan earnestly hopes to work with the international community to create a future of borderless healthcare that realises the fundamental human right to health stipulated in the WHO Constitution and the vision of leaving no one behind espoused in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
News you should know tonight: Top 5 stories you may have missed on May 30, 2025
The prime suspect wanted in connection with Olorato Mongale's death, allegedly confessed to her murder moments before he was killed in a gun battle with KZN cops on Friday morning. Good evening, IOL News family! It's Friday, May 30, 2025, and it's time for a wrap of the biggest headlines making waves in South Africa and beyond. Don't forget to join the IOL WhatsApp Channel to stay in tune, informed, and in the know SA faces lottery blackout after Pretoria High Court dismisses Ithuba bid South Africa may face a brief lottery blackout after the Pretoria High Court dismissed the National Lotteries Commission's urgent application to appoint Ithuba as a temporary operator beyond its May 31 license expiry. To read on, click here. Ethekwini Municipality confirms readiness for 98th Comrades Marathon The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed its readiness to co-host the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8. To read on, click here. NHI regulations face opposition from the Western Cape Government amid digital service expansion The Western Cape Cabinet has reaffirmed its opposition to the draft regulations of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, warning that the proposed governance arrangements threaten to destabilize the provincial health system. To read on, click here. Suspect found hiding in Durban allegedly confessed to the murder of Olorato Mongale The prime suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, who was wanted in connection with Olorato Mongale's murder, allegedly confessed to her murder moments before he was killed in a gun battle with KZN cops on Friday morning. To read on, click here. Deputy Speaker refers over 10 EFF members for discipline after Ramaphosa session chaos Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet has referred several EFF MPs to the Speaker for possible disciplinary action following their disruption of President Cyril Ramaphosa's Q&A session on Tuesday. To read on, click here. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
IOL News
a day ago
- Health
- IOL News
NHI regulations face opposition from Western Cape Government amid digital service expansion
Premier Alan Winde highlights the role of innovation and data-driven solutions in strengthening service delivery for vulnerable communities in the Western Cape. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers. The Western Cape Cabinet has reaffirmed its opposition to the draft regulations of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, warning that the proposed governance arrangements threaten to destabilize the provincial health system. 'The provisions of the act, in its current form, undermine the aim of universal healthcare, particularly in the Western Cape,' said Premier Alan Winde. The Cabinet maintains that the regulations are premature, invalid, and would have a 'significant and detrimental impact on all provinces and service delivery.' The province's objections mirror long-standing concerns raised during public participation, which the national Department of Health has allegedly failed to address. In contrast to its resistance on the NHI front, the provincial government is moving forward with key innovations in social services. Cabinet approved the expansion of the Social Work Integrated Management System (SWIMS) application across government departments. Launched in April 2024 and already used by over 1,000 social workers, the SWIMS app digitises social service case files and significantly reduces paperwork. Premier Winde described the system as transformative. 'Across our departments, we must explore ways to improve services. Our embrace of innovation, technology, and reliance on data and evidence strengthens our ability to boost service delivery, in the case of expanding SWIMS, to the most vulnerable in our province.' Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Jaco Londt, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the app's reach in rural areas. 'If SWIMS is utilised by other social service professionals in government and the NGO space, not only will staff benefit, but it will strengthen our case monitoring systems, we want to mitigate the risk of cases slipping through the cracks.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In a further move to modernise public service delivery, Cabinet noted the implementation of a new Provincial Roads Delivery Model at the district level. The new model, developed by the Department of Infrastructure, is based on a comprehensive five-year review and aims to speed up and improve infrastructure projects across the province. Cabinet also approved the Growth for Jobs (G4J) 2025–2030 Implementation Plan, the next step in a strategic roadmap to stimulate economic growth. 'The G4J strategy is constantly evolving, requiring us to regularly revisit its key priority areas,' Premier Winde said. He acknowledged the volatility of global markets but expressed confidence in the province's ability to adapt and grow. Celebrating the success of the 2025 Premier's Cycle Tour, Winde thanked partners and provincial teams who helped deliver more than 300 bicycles to schools and neighbourhood watch groups in rural areas. 'The tour is a tangible demonstration of the 'power of the pedals' and the importance of partnerships,' he said, highlighting how bicycles can foster connectivity, promote road safety, and unlock economic opportunity. Finally, Premier Winde called for nominations for the 2025 Service Excellence Awards (SEA), which honour Western Cape Government staff who go above and beyond in their roles. 'Our staff are at the heart of our government's commitment to work as hard as we can every day for the residents of this province,' said Winde. The ceremony is scheduled for September 2025, and nominations close on June 30,2025. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
R9. 1 million spent on NHI legal battles, says Motsoaledi
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says his department is facing seven legal cases challenging the NHI and National Health Acts. Image: GCIS Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi disclosed on Wednesday that R9.1 million has been spent to date on litigation involving the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. Motsoaledi said his department was facing seven legal cases, which included five over the NHI and two on the National Health Act. 'From October 2023 when the first counsel was briefed, the total amount paid is R9,696,679,99. There is no pending financial liability for any cost product since the single judgment that came out so far is under appeal,' he said. Motsoaledi made the comment during the question and answer session in the National Assembly. DA MP Michele Clarke had enquired whether Motsoaledi was responding about the total expenses incurred regarding litigation involving the National Health Insurance Act, including the estimated financial liability for any adverse cost order. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Motsoaledi said the department was using the same legal team to fend off the legal challenges. 'We have hired a team that deals with them. It is five senior counsel and seven junior counsel.' Clarke asked about the justification to pay the large legal team when hospitals cannot afford to pay for patients or overtime for doctors. She noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa had a small legal team compared to the Health Minister. In response, Motsoaledi said their legal team was appropriate. 'The President's (legal team) is for only one case, not seven. We are sued for seven cases and that is why this amount of money is for those who have been involved in litigation.' He indicated that when the cases increase, the department will increase the number of legal counsels to match them. He noted that the R9m paid for lawyers to defend the cases was a lot of money when doctors were not employed. 'You here honourable members, who are subsidised to stay on private medical aid for R70 billion, Why don't you have the heart to believe that money must go to help the poor?' He also stated that South Africans on medical aid get tax credits to the tune of R33 billion. 'It's R103 billion rand that goes on to 14% of the population. Then you come here to me and complain about R9 (million),' he said. 'If you are not on private medical aids and being heavily subsidised, there won't be any litigation because we won't be asking for NHI. South Africans will be equal so please go and think about that very carefully.' ACDP MP Steven Swart said litigation was expected regarding the controversial NHI Act. 'We understand the need for five seniors, seven juniors, given the constitutional arguments and the ACDP, like many others, has serious concerns about the constitutionality of the Act,' he said. Swart also said the cost of litigation against the department was extremely worrisome and took away much needed health services, in particular medical legal claims, which as at last year was R75 billion and the legal cost would be hundreds of millions of rands. 'What is being done to reduce the number of medical legal claims against the department, which besides the fraudulent claims, we know there are many fraudulent claims, is often caused by overworked doctors and nurses who work under severe pressure and may act negligently in that regard,' he asked in a supplementary question. Motsoaledi said the original question was about the NHI and Swart was asking about medical legal claims. 'Medical legal worries us, and you are correct, it takes money away from the health care system. Fraud was found to be the biggest part of this.' Cape Times
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Health
- Eyewitness News
MPs question Motsoaledi spending R9 million to hire 12 counsel to defend NHI
JOHANNESBURG - Members of Parliament (MPs) have questioned Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi over the hiring of 12 counsel at a cost of R9 million to defend the National Health Insurance (NHI). But Motsoaledi has defended the expenditure, saying litigation comes at a high cost and the department needs the expertise of senior counsel as it defends its flagship universal healthcare policy. The minister was briefing the National Assembly as part of the social cluster in Parliament on Wednesday. Motsoaledi said his department is facing several lawsuits challenging the NHI as well as the National Health Act. He justified the expenditure, saying litigation in its nature is costly to defend. Some of the organisations taking the department to court include the South African Medical Association (SAMA) and the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF). "Those who have been involved in litigation will know how expensive senior counsel is. It's not us. So, it's seven cases, seven junior counsel, and five senior counsel." President Cyril Ramaphosa is also facing his own NHI-related legal challenge after the court ruled that his decision to sign the act was reviewable, ordering him to provide the record of his decision. He is appealing the ruling.
