In celebration of the National Health Insurance (NHI) system's 31st anniversary, the NHI Administration (NHIA) held an event titled "Health in Hand with My Health Bank" at the 228 Peace Memorial Park in Taipei City on March 28. To date, My Health Bank has registered more than 12.48 million users and accumulated over 600 million inquiries. This significant figure marks a new milestone in Taiwan's digital health development. The NHI App has become the most downloaded government-developed app in Taiwan and stands as one of the most trusted digital tools nationwide.
At the event, Minister Chung-Liang Shih of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Director-General Lian-Yu Chen of the NHIA, and other honorable guests commemorated this milestone with a special ice-smashing ceremony. Minister Shih stated that since its implementation, the NHI system has safeguarded public health and served as a pillar of Taiwan's resilience for over three decades. Furthermore, the NHI system maintains a satisfaction rate over 90%. These accomplishments are attributed to the selfless contributions of healthcare professionals and the unwavering support of the public. The system has moved with the times, shifting its focus from disease treatment to prevention. In addition, digital tools are employed to promote healthy lifestyles, and raise the awareness of health self-management.
Director-General Chen stated that Taiwan's NHI boasts world-leading digital infrastructure. Key developments include the issuance of NHI IC cards in 2004, the launch of My Health Bank in 2014, and the implementation of virtual NHI cards in 2019, all of which have enhanced efficiency and patient safety. My Health Bank empowers the public by providing real-time access to personal health data, thereby strengthening self-management capabilities. It also provides essential health reminders such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening alerts, acting as a vital personal health assistant. In recent years, the NHIA has integrated AI technologies for risk stratification, triage management, and the development of tailored health education.
Minister Shih and Director-General Chen were joined by prominent figures, including Superintendent Chong-Jen Yu of National Taiwan University Hospital, Vice Superintendent Ming-Chih Hou of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Vice President Fang-Ming Hung of Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Vice Chairperson Wen-Jen Chien of Taiwan Health Movement Alliance, and Deputy Director General Chien-Yuan Wu of the Sports for All Agency, to inaugurate the event. The participation of healthcare professionals across medical, pharmaceutical, and public health fields demonstrated a cross-sector commitment to promoting healthy living and achieving the vision of a "Healthy Taiwan".
The event featured nearly 30 booths offering promotional information, interactive quest games, performance, prize quizzes, checkpoint stamp rallies, and raffles. Through these engaging and interactive activities, participants deepened their understanding of the NHI system and healthy lifestyle concepts. The celebration concluded successfully in a warm and family-friendly atmosphere. The NHIA remains committed to excellence in the pursuit of sustainable health and safeguarding the well-being of all.
▲Fig. 1: Honorable guests including Minister Chung-Liang Shih of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Director-General Lian-Yu Chen of the NHIA at the ice-smashing ceremony.
▲Fig. 2: Minister Chung-Liang Shih of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Director-General Lian-Yu Chen of the NHIA, together with former heads of the NHI system authority, cut cake in celebration of the NHI's 31st anniversary.
▲Fig. 3: Group picture of the honorable guests, including National Policy Advisor Wen-Jen Chien, Minister Chung-Liang Shih of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Director-General Lian-Yu Chen of the NHIA, and Superintendent Chong-Jen Yu of National Taiwan University Hospital, at the celebration of the NHI's 31st anniversary.
▲Fig. 4: Enthusiastic participants at the event, everyone is knowledgeable about the NHI system.