On March 19, Director Tseng-Hui Ting of the Central Division, National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) presented a certificate of appreciation to Central Taiwan Psychiatric Clinic Association for their NT$1.04 million donation to the NHI Donation Account, which supports the underprivileged. The contribution comes from the Psychiatrist Association, whose members have quietly supported the NHI Donation Account for 20 years, helping families pay off overdue premium payments, overcome financial hardship, and maintain access to healthcare. Their compassion and generosity are truly commendable.
The initiative began in 2006 when psychiatrists Chao-Hsien Liu and Chih-Chung Wang, who operated private clinics in Taichung City, frequently encountered patients facing difficulties and unable to pay their NHI premiums. Recognizing the need for greater social support, they rallied primary care psychiatrists across Taichung, Changhua, and Nantou to form the Central Taiwan Psychiatric Clinic Association. The Association has since provided long-term donations to the NHI Donation Account. Under the leadership of Dr. Shang-Chun Feng, members once again responded generously, raising a total of NT$1.04 million in 2026. Over the past 20 consecutive years, the Association has contributed nearly NT$9 million, acting as a steady and continuous civil support for the NHI Donation Account.
Director General Lian-Yu Chen expressed her gratitude to the Association, highlighting that their compassion and selfless contributions provide timely assistance to those in financial difficulties, creating a positive cycle of compassion that warms and strengthens society. Last year, the NHIA Central Division Office allocated over NT$9.92 million from the NHI Donation Account to help 492 underprivileged households. Since its establishment in 2002, the NHI Donation Account has disbursed more than NT$80.6 million, benefiting over 4,200 vulnerable families. The NHIA will continue to collaborate with the medical community and public and private sectors to expand the impact of the account.
Director Ting further shared the story of a young adult surnamed Yang from central Taiwan, who grew up in foster care. After turning 18, Yang could only support themselves through part-time night jobs. Unable to pay overdue NHI premiums, Yang received assistance from the Donation Account, allowing them to continue their education and maintain access to healthcare. The NHIA encourages the public to report underprivileged individuals via the official website "Vulnerable Populations Reporting Platform" or the "NHI app", ensuring that support reaches those in need.
▲Fig. 1: Donation ceremony where Central Taiwan Psychiatric Clinic Association donated NT$1.04 million to the NHI Donation Account.
▲Fig. 2: Thank you letter from a student Yang, a recipient of the NHI Donation Account support.