Page 42 - 2024 Taiwan Health and Welfare Report

2024 Taiwan Health and Welfare Report

the central competent authority; and imposing B. Provided toll-free telephone smoking
stricter penalties. cessation consultations (0800-636-363),

Furthermore, local government health bureaus serving a cumulative total of 1,622,761
have tailored their actions to the specific individuals as of the end of 2023.
characteristics of their jurisdictions, taking into 2. Betel Quid Health Hazards Prevention Program
account factors such as the ventilation features Focused on workplaces with high betel quid
or premises, the number of people entering chewing rates, the program promoted a supportive
and exiting, and the duration of stay. They have environment for betel quid-free practices, and offers
legally designated and announced tobacco- on-site oral cancer screening services and betel nut
free areas, with over 30,000 locations having health hazard awareness campaigns. In 2023, 184
been announced as such. In 2023, the number events were held, with more than 5,000 individuals
of inspection cases nationwide exceed 560,000 receiving oral cancer screenings.
cases, including 2,538 penalties amounting to
more than NTD 4.68 million. Section 2 Nutrition and Healthy
In order to align with international standards, Bodyweight Managment
Taiwan has already seen 218 hospitals join To enhance the public's nutritional knowledge,
the global network of tobacco-free healthcare maintain a healthy body weight, and promote physical,
services, with 40 hospitals receiving prestigious mental, and social well-being, as well as to prevent
international awards. Taiwan has the highest chronic diseases.
number of award-winning hospitals among all 1. The MOHW has enforced "Nutrition and Healthy
the countries in the global network. Diet Promotion Act" legislation as a way to improve

(2) Providing Diverse Smoking Cessation Programs people's diet and nutritional literacy by constructing a
A. To help more people quit smoking, subsidies supporting environment for healthy eating.
are provided for smoking cessation services, 2. Promoted the establishment of "Community
including examination fees, dispensing fees, Nutrition Promotion Centers" to 43 locations in
health education fees, and case tracking fees. various cities and counties, and with established 43
Starting from May 15, 2022, the co-payment centers, remote areas were also encouraged setting
for smoking cessation auxiliary medication subsidiary centers tailored to local conditions to help
has been waived. As of December 2023, increase community capacities for nutrition care. In
there are 3,503 contracted institutions for 2023, these centers served more than 75,000 elderly
smoking cessation services, 1,376 contracted individuals, and provided guidance to 1,500 elderly
pharmacies for dispensing medications, and meal-sharing locations or community food service
12,818 contracted healthcare professionals providers to offer age-friendly and healthy diets.
for smoking cessation. In 2023, a total of
107,424 individuals (383,235 instances
of service) were served from January to
December, achieving a smoking cessation
success rate of 31.3% for the first six months
of the year, potentially assisting approximately
33,000 individuals in quitting smoking.
In the short term, it is projected to save
approximately NTD 180 million in national
health insurance medical expenditure, while
in the long term, it can generate an economic
benefit of NTD 14.1 billion.

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