Incentives Offered to Keep Clinics Open During Lunar New Year Holiday
The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) announced on Sunday its plan to encourage medical institutions to remain open during the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday. This will be achieved by increasing National Health Insurance reimbursements by 30 to 100 percent.
According to the NHIA, a total budget of NT$1.36 billion (US$44.16 million) has been allocated to boost service fees for physicians, nurses, and pharmacists from February 14 to 22, when the Lunar New Year occurs in 2026. The goal is to maintain accessible medical services for the public throughout the festival period.
Statements from NHIA and Health Ministry
NHIA Director-General Chen Lian-yu stated that this is the first time such increases will apply to outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care at all levels of medical institutions.
Health Minister Shih Chung-liang announced that Urgent Care Centers started operating on Sunday at 13 locations across Taiwan’s six special municipalities. These centers are staffed by rotating primary care physicians.
The Urgent Care Centers will remain open on Sundays and national holidays to treat patients experiencing fevers, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal symptoms, mild injuries, or acute discomfort in children.
Summary
NHIA will provide extra reimbursements to keep clinics open during the 2026 Lunar New Year, ensuring uninterrupted care for the public across Taiwan.