In order to help citizens cultivate awareness of health self-management, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has mapped out a "smart health bank" program.
After being briefed on the program at today's Cabinet meeting, Premier Jiang Yi-huah affirmed the ministry, saying this is a crucial policy that not only conforms to international trends but also offers citizens additional services.
The MOHW has gradually integrated the relevant information of National Health Insurance services and health promotion industries with modern cloud computing technology to improve the public's health, reduce unnecessary medical expenses, and spur the development of Taiwan's information industry, Jiang said, adding that the program is designed from the public's point of view.
Using information technologies, the program will make available to citizens a personal passbook that keeps track of their visits over the last year to hospitals and health clinics registered under the National Health Insurance. This convenient electronic access to their medical records, available upon presentation of one's own Citizen Digital Certificate, will help residents better manage their health, the MOHW stated.
Meanwhile, the MOHW has launched a "health promotion record" platform that offers a comprehensive and convenient smart management service to help citizens to keep track of their health and lifestyles. Citizens can use the platform to retrieve their health examination records as well as information about other health services.
By the end of 2015, an estimated 100,000 people will benefit from the "health promotion record" platform. Additionally, the MOHW is encouraging industries and academia to develop at least 200 value-added applications by 2018, creating a new source of economic growth for the country.
Health management is thus at the top of the government's administrative priority list, the premier said, because the nation's population is rapidly aging: according to projections, in 2025 one fifth of the population will be over 65 years old.
Apart from promoting relevant measures of the population policy guidelines, the government is putting great emphasis on the promotion of the long-term care system and overall wellness. Adult day care centers have been planned for all 368 of Taiwan's villages, townships and city districts. Another objective is to have at least one long-term care center in every village, township and city district. The centers could collaborate with the current 1,939 community care stations around the nation and offer the most basic care and services that local elders need.
The premier applauded the MOHW's efforts to promote a senior-friendly care plan integrating the private sector's resources. The plan includes measures such as preventing seniors from falling, establishing barrier-free living environments, urging middle-aged and older people to devote themselves to regular sports and volunteer services, and developing the senior tourism and health maintenance industries. On the basis of this plan, the MOHW is expected to further integrate health management systems helpful for a future aged society and let all seniors enjoy healthy, happy and long lives.
When promoting a cloud-computing data platform and other applications, the MOHW and Ministry of Justice must take the concerns raised by Minister without Portfolio Tsai Yu-ling regarding the Personal Information Protection Act into account, Jiang instructed. "It is essential to prevent personal information leaks and unnecessary disputes," he stressed.
Finally, as today is also the Double Ninth Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday for paying respect to elderly people, Premier Jiang wished health and well-being to senior citizens at the meeting.