National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) Director Shih Chung-liang emphasized the importance of early screenings and healthy lifestyle choices in reducing the need for dialysis, during a statement on Tuesday, March 4. His remarks came ahead of World Kidney Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of March, which aims to raise awareness about kidney disease, a condition affecting nearly 850 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Shih highlighted several key risk factors for kidney disease, including hypertension, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity. He also pointed to the misuse of medication as a contributing factor to kidney deterioration. As kidney disease often presents no obvious symptoms in its early stages, Shih called for proactive health monitoring to detect potential issues before they progress.
To facilitate early detection, Shih noted that individuals aged 30 to 39 are eligible for a free health check-up every five years, those aged 40 to 64 every three years, and individuals 65 and older can access free health check-ups annually. These screenings are part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of chronic diseases and improve overall public health.
The NHIA will also expand its coverage to include new medications designed to slow the progression of kidney disease, further enhancing treatment options for patients.
Taiwan Society of Nephrology Chair Wu Mai-ssu emphasized that Taiwan has a robust kidney care system and urged healthy individuals to undergo regular screenings. He added that early treatment and management of kidney disease can often help reverse or significantly improve the condition.
Chen Hung-lin, Chair of the Taiwan Medical Clinics Association, underscored the importance of early detection, particularly in Taiwan’s aging society. He pointed out that kidney disease is progressive, and timely intervention is essential for successful recovery.
The financial impact of kidney disease is significant in Taiwan, with National Health Insurance expenditures for the condition reaching NT$59.2 billion (US$1.94 billion) in 2023. In addition, the number of dialysis patients in Taiwan surpassed 97,000 in both 2022 and 2023, giving the country one of the world’s highest proportions of dialysis patients.
As Taiwan continues to face the challenges posed by kidney disease, health authorities are emphasizing the critical role of early intervention and prevention to reduce future health burdens.
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