The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) implemented the Integrated Delivery System (IDS) program in 1998, with E-Da Hospital assuming responsibility for its implementation in the Penghu Islands. E-Da Hospital delegates specialist doctors to provide outpatient services on the islands. Additionally, nursing staff are stationed on the islands to provide assistance with local residents' medical visits at all hours, catering to disease-specific requirements.
In 2023, the IDS program in Penghu completed a total of 1,822 night-shift physician visits, 1,157 holiday outpatient clinic services, 687 specialty physician visits, and 453 mobile healthcare services, achieving a public satisfaction rate of 93%. Additionally, the NHIA collaborated with local dental associations to offer dental services in public health centers in Wangan Township, Cimei Township, and Jibei Island of Baisha Township. A total of 1,240 mobile dental services were conducted, with 4,517 patient visits completed in 2023. With the assistance of the National Union of Chinese Medical Doctors' Association, Chinese medicine mobile services were provided in Baisha Township, Xiyu Township, Wangan Township, and Huxi Township. A total of 153 outpatient services were provided, with 5,191 patient visits completed in 2023.
In September 2023, the NHIA, the Public Health Bureau of Penghu County, and E-Da Hospital collaborated to implement the NHI Telemedicine Program. Staff from E-Da Hospital and public health centers in Cimei Township, Wangan Township, Jibei Island, and Niao Yu of Baisha Township utilized various medical equipment, such as digital ophthalmoscopes, otoscopes, and dermatoscopes, to record and document patient conditions. These records were then transmitted to E-Da Hospital via real-time online image transmission and video calls. Doctors at E-Da Hospital evaluated and diagnosed patients based on these documents and provided consultations. These measures facilitated the implementation of smart medicine and localized medical services in rural areas. As of February 2024, a total of 61 patients have received services through this program.
In response to Taiwan's Early Elimination of Hepatitis C by 2025 policy, E-Da Hospital, the NHIA, the Public Health Bureau of Penghu County, and local public health centers have proactively collaborated to conduct hepatitis B and hepatitis C screenings. To increase the screening rate, arrangements have been made for nurses to conduct blood draws in people's homes. A total of 3,700 people were screened across 13 level 2 and level 3 offshore islands, achieving a 90% screening rate. Between 2022 and 2023, a total of 87 patients were diagnosed and treated.
Penghu County has a large elderly population and numerous level 2 and level 3 offshore islands. In addition to the around-the-clock healthcare and telemedicine services provided by the IDS program, the NHIA has established 7 home care centers and 15 medical facilities to offer home healthcare services and standard medical treatments aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility for older adults, patients with impaired mobility, and bedridden patients. As of January 2024, a total of 1,993 patients have benefited from these services.
The NHIA announced that in July 2024, a trial of the Aacute Hospital Care at Home program will be initiated. This program primarily targets urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and soft tissue infections, enabling home care patients with mild infections to undergo antibiotic treatments at home. The introduction of this program aims to enhance healthcare services for residents of offshore islands and ensure the provision of localized healthcare services.