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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Health & Science

Taiwan launches 'Health Coin' program to incentivize check-ups and vaccinations

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare is introducing a 'Health Coin' policy starting October 1st to encourage proactive health measures.
  • Citizens will earn 'Health Coins' for undergoing health check-ups, cancer screenings, and managing their health, which can be redeemed at convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and hospitals.
  • The program aims to incentivize preventative care, with initial discussions focusing on a 1 Health Coin to 1 New Taiwan Dollar exchange rate for certain goods and services.

Taiwan is set to introduce a novel incentive program, the "Health Coin," starting October 1st, aimed at encouraging citizens to prioritize their health. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced that individuals will be rewarded with these digital coins for engaging in proactive health behaviors, including regular check-ups, cancer screenings, and overall health management.

The "Health Coin" initiative will coincide with the launch of the flu vaccination season. According to Health Minister Hsueh Jui-liang, the program will not have a retroactive effect. Initial discussions with major convenience stores and supermarkets are focused on a redemption rate of "1 point to 1 dollar," allowing citizens to use their earned coins for discounts on goods and services. Plans also include partnerships with pharmacies and hospitals for the redemption of coins towards self-paid health examinations or vaccinations.

Minister Hsueh Jui-liang explained that the MOHW has allocated public funds primarily for the development of the system platform. The actual redemption of coins will be facilitated through private sector participation, with ongoing dialogues with retailers, pharmacies, and insurance companies. While the "1 point to 1 dollar" exchange is the initial target for convenience stores and supermarkets, the minister noted that redemption values might vary depending on the specific service or product, particularly with insurance company partnerships.

To address potential digital divides, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable populations, the ministry plans to distribute instructional manuals and videos. Public health institutions, community care centers, and the Pharmacists Association of the Republic of China will offer hands-on guidance. The ministry is also exploring the possibility of direct redemption using national health insurance cards at medical facilities in the future, though this is still under final confirmation.

1 point to 1 dollar

— Hsueh Jui-liangHealth Minister Hsueh Jui-liang describing the initial planned redemption rate for 'Health Coins' at convenience stores and supermarkets.
About this summary

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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