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- How has health care improved in Taiwan?
Impressive gains in the health of the general population have been made in the Taiwan area over the past 50 years. Life expectancy for males has increased from 53.38 years in 1951 to 72.8 years in 2001; and for females, from 56.33 years to 78.48 years. The crude death rate dropped from 18.15 per 1,000 persons in 1947 to 5.67 in 2001, and the infant mortality rate dropped from 44.71 per 1,000 live births in 1952 to 5.99 in 2001.
- Does Taiwan have a national health insurance system?
In March 1995, the government implemented the National Health
Insurance (NHI) program. Under the schedule for premiums and
rates approved in July 1994, employees pay 30 percent of the
premium, employers 60 percent, and the government 10 percent.
Thus, a typical worker, earning just over US$943 a month,
with a spouse and two children, will pay about US$42 a month.
Today, the NHI program covers nearly all of Taiwan's 22.4
million citizens, as well as some foreign residents. In addition,
the three original public insurance programs that were merged
into the NHI still continue to provide cash benefits for the
insured. Finally, the government offers comprehensive accident
insurance to all students.
- What health care services are offered in Taiwan?
Modern health care services are available through Taiwan's 18,265 public and private hospitals and clinics which have 127,676 hospital beds and 165,855 licensed medical personnel.
Free pediatric health care for children up to four years of age is available under the National Health Insurance program. Pediatric immunization includes free inoculation against hepatitis B, polio, measles, Japanese encephalitis, diphtheria, and several other diseases. In addition, premarital health examinations, prenatal screening, neonatal diagnosis of congenital metabolic disorders, and a variety of other tests are available as part of Taiwan's comprehensive health care services. General physical screenings of adults for cancer, hypertension, and diabetes have also been implemented, with positive cases followed up with referrals to a hospital for treatment.
- How popular are traditional Chinese medicines?
Herbal medicines, acupuncture, and related treatments are widely used in Taiwan and are covered by the National Health Insurance program.
The value and effectiveness of these ancient healing arts have been proven through research, and today these methods have a scientific foundation in modern medicine. Numerous tests and research projects have also been conducted to evaluate the effects of different herbal medicines and acupuncture on various types of diseases and illnesses, such as hepatitis, sciatica, and bronchial asthma.
Chinese medicine today combines traditional practices with
advanced technology. For example, electro-dermal screening
devices (ESD) are being used to pinpoint the source of an
illness by probing acupuncture points. Of the various types
of Chinese medicine, acupuncture--long known for its tranquilizing
effect--has been the easiest to incorporate into modern medicine.
- How are the elderly being cared for?
In December 2000, some 8.62 percent of the population in Taiwan was over 65. Influenced by Confucian notions of filial piety, the people of Taiwan feel a strong moral obligation to care for the elderly, especially for parents. Therefore, the government encourages the younger generation to live with or near the elderly.
Taiwan residents over the age of 70 can enjoy free medical care, as well as subsidized public transportation and entertainment costs. Elderly residents of some cities and counties who do not receive other forms of pension or subsidy from the government are entitled to a pension ranging from US$96 to US$192 per month, depending on the county or city of residence. General in-home care is provided for senior citizens who live by themselves and have difficulty performing everyday activities, whereas free in-home medical care is provided to the indigent elderly. Nearly 4,500 recreation and daycare centers for people over 65 provide facilities for meeting and socializing while their children are at work. Public and private retirement and nursing homes are also available to elderly people who find it necessary to live independently of their family or who have no family.
- What opportunities and services are available to the disabled in Taiwan?
Observers of the social welfare movement in Taiwan note that the advocates for disabled rights are perhaps the best organized and most effective of all the special-interest groups competing for recognition and services. By law, all private enterprises are required to have at least one disabled worker for every 100 employees. For government offices and public enterprises, the requirement is 2 percent. In July 1996, the government held its first civil service examination for disabled citizens. By the end of 2001, a total of 779 had passed the exam and been admitted into the civil service.
Disabled people who wish to take classes, receive special medical care, or seek employment may contact any of the several consultation service centers around Taiwan. Furthermore, a total of 38 public and private vocational training institutions provide classes in practical skills for the disabled.
Free medical treatment is available for those with a severe disability or disabilities resulting from injuries, while citizens with less severe disabilities are entitled to discounted National Health Insurance rates.
- What is the status of women in Taiwan?
Equality between women and men began with the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, when women were encouraged to receive an education. In recent years, the number of women earning advanced degrees has increased significantly. The elevation in the overall level of education for women has enhanced their status in the family. Women today constitute a major part of the work force outside the home and have contributed greatly to Taiwan's economic success.
An increasing number of women lawyers, judges, journalists, engineers, professors, authors, artists, entrepreneurs, military personnel, and business executives hold top positions in their fields. Women have also become more politically active, and a quota of elected positions is reserved for female candidates. In May 2000, Lu Hsiu-lien (Annette) became the nation's first female vice president, and several women were appointed to cabinet positions.
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