Clipping Board » Medical Affairs and Administration ─ Medical system, pharmaceuticals, and medical community-related reports
2012-04-06 China Times [Feng Huiyi / Taichung Report]
The continuous rise in the prices of daily necessities has also led to an increase in registration fees at grassroots medical clinics? Residents have reported that a well-known ENT clinic in Beitun District, Taichung, raised its registration fee from NT$100 to NT$130 starting in April, a 30% increase. The Taichung Medical Association admitted that with rising costs for goods, medications, and personnel, many practicing physicians have indicated they cannot sustain operations much longer, making a fee hike "inevitable."
Located in Beitun District, this renowned ENT clinic sees hundreds of patients daily during seasonal transitions and flu outbreaks. The clinic director, known for his philanthropic efforts, has even donated rehabilitation buses to the city government twice. However, just as CPC Corporation raised fuel prices significantly in April, residents noticed that the registration fee for their children's visits had increased by NT$30 compared to January.
The clinic's director, surnamed Zeng, explained that this was the first fee adjustment in over 16 years of operation. He emphasized that GMP-certified pharmaceutical costs, labor, and national health insurance contributions have been rising annually, compounded by shrinking health insurance reimbursement rates (now at 0.8). The decision to raise fees was announced in February, though the timing coincided with the controversial fuel price hike. He noted that the clinic continues to waive fees for disadvantaged groups, such as those with major illnesses or disabilities, costing the clinic up to NT$1 million annually.
Kao Jia-jun, Secretary-General of the Taichung Medical Association and a practicing dermatologist, pointed out that most clinics in Taipei had already raised registration fees by NT$50 back in 2008. Even if clinics in central Taiwan adjust their fees now, they are years behind the northern region. However, given the tough economic climate, many practitioners are hesitant about implementing such changes.
Source: http:/ / news. chinatimes. com/ d……1050610/ 112012040600288. html
Prices Soar, Clinic Fees Rise
The continuous rise in the prices of daily necessities has also led to an increase in registration fees at grassroots medical clinics? Residents have reported that a well-known ENT clinic in Beitun District, Taichung, raised its registration fee from NT$100 to NT$130 starting in April, a 30% increase. The Taichung Medical Association admitted that with rising costs for goods, medications, and personnel, many practicing physicians have indicated they cannot sustain operations much longer, making a fee hike "inevitable."
Located in Beitun District, this renowned ENT clinic sees hundreds of patients daily during seasonal transitions and flu outbreaks. The clinic director, known for his philanthropic efforts, has even donated rehabilitation buses to the city government twice. However, just as CPC Corporation raised fuel prices significantly in April, residents noticed that the registration fee for their children's visits had increased by NT$30 compared to January.
The clinic's director, surnamed Zeng, explained that this was the first fee adjustment in over 16 years of operation. He emphasized that GMP-certified pharmaceutical costs, labor, and national health insurance contributions have been rising annually, compounded by shrinking health insurance reimbursement rates (now at 0.8). The decision to raise fees was announced in February, though the timing coincided with the controversial fuel price hike. He noted that the clinic continues to waive fees for disadvantaged groups, such as those with major illnesses or disabilities, costing the clinic up to NT$1 million annually.
Kao Jia-jun, Secretary-General of the Taichung Medical Association and a practicing dermatologist, pointed out that most clinics in Taipei had already raised registration fees by NT$50 back in 2008. Even if clinics in central Taiwan adjust their fees now, they are years behind the northern region. However, given the tough economic climate, many practitioners are hesitant about implementing such changes.
Source: http:/ / news. chinatimes. com/ d……1050610/ 112012040600288. html