As Taiwan becomes a super-aged society this year, with more than 20% of its population aged 65 or above, the government’s commitment to the Healthy Taiwan initiative is both timely and commendable. With the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) expanding pneumococcal vaccination access to all adults 65 and over, the administration’s emphasis on disease prevention and its efforts to mitigate risks associated with aging are worthy of recognition.
Yet as the challenges of a super-aged society mount, Taiwan must intensify its focus on systemic reforms and coordinated action. The demographic shift, compounded by low birth rates, has far-reaching implications for national productivity, healthcare sustainability, and public health outcomes. Navigating this transformation successfully will require a more centralized and comprehensive public health strategy.
The establishment of the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee under the Ministry of Health and Welfare is a welcome step toward unified public health governance. As Taiwan confronts the twin challenges of aging and declining fertility, this Committee is well positioned to serve as a coordinating body for national health policy priorities. Strengthening its authority, enhancing interagency cooperation, and ensuring adequate resources will be key to translating strategic intent into effective cross-ministerial action on prevention, health promotion, and long-term system sustainability.
The rise in chronic diseases among seniors adds urgency to this agenda. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s 2023 Taiwan Health and Welfare Report, nearly 60% of individuals aged 65 and over are living with two or more chronic conditions. Effective management of these diseases not only improves quality of life for older adults but also helps reduce overall healthcare costs and maintain economic productivity.
Accelerating the adoption of a patient-centered care model will also be essential. This includes expanding screening programs and risk assessments for heart disease and diabetes, particularly for citizens over 65, and enhancing participation in case management networks such as the Diabetes Shared Care Network.
Moreover, consolidating data from adult health checkups, medical exams, and the National Health Insurance database can support efficient case tracking and follow-up. Digital platforms can enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals to implement effective, patient-centered management plans aligned with international treatment guidelines.
Public awareness must not be overlooked. Investment in education campaigns that promote self-care, early intervention, and shared decision-making is especially important in light of ongoing labor shortages across the healthcare sector.
Despite significant achievements, Taiwan’s healthcare expenditure remains below the OECD average, standing at 6.6% of GDP. With rising demand for long-term care, advanced treatment, and age-related health services, increasing healthcare spending to over 8% of GDP could enable greater investment in new medical technologies, improved service delivery, and improved working conditions for healthcare professionals.
By building on the Healthy Taiwan initiative and institutionalizing a whole-of-society approach to health promotion, the government can lead Taiwan into a future where longevity is accompanied by quality of life and economic resilience. AmCham Taiwan and its members remain committed to supporting this vision through continued dialogue, innovation, and international best practice sharing.
