Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew visited the NHIA on November 9. Dr. Po-Chang Lee, Director General of the NHIA, received the prime minister and delivered a report on Taiwan's NHI system, digital transformation, and results of innovation.

      On this visit, Prime Minister Drew was accompanied by a delegation of nine high-level officials. Both Prime Minister Dr. Drew and his Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Denzil Douglas were deeply interested in Taiwan’s NHI system due to their backgrounds in medicine. Saint Kitts and Nevis, officially the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, is an island nation located in the Caribbean.

      Director General Lee said, “The health of the people is the foundation of governance. In fact, building a solid healthcare system is a mission of primary importance to Prime Minister Drew. In this respect, his recent visit was quite beneficial. We exchanged thoughts on universal health coverage during this visit, and we hope there are further opportunities for cooperation in the near future.” Director General Lee himself delivered a report on Taiwan’s National Health Insurance, which was launched in March 1, 1995, as well as on related policies and measures. Director General Lee also fielded questions from the prime minister’s delegation and introduced them to the book Digital Health Care in Taiwan Innovations of National Health Insurance published by Springer this August.

      Director General Lee shared with the delegation on the innovative ways the NHI has dealt with referrals, NHI APP, Virtual NHI Card, and told of how the NHI confronted the global COVID-19 pandemic and protected the health of the public, with stellar results. At the same time, the NHIA also shared planning and ideas relating to copayment adjustments for the NHI in response to the health challenges in the post-pandemic era, including new drugs, new technologies, and new treatments.

      The delegation raised views on the management, application, and future developments of the NHI. They showed care for the achievements and future development trends of healthcare in Taiwan, allowing Taiwan's NHI to once more be set prominently on the international stage.