Demand initiated for expanded availability of Inflammatory Bowel Disease drugs
The National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan currently provides coverage for medications used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including biological agents and small molecule drugs. However, the coverage is limited to a period of one year, which has sparked concerns among patients and advocates who argue that this duration is inadequate for managing a chronic relapsing condition like IBD[1].
IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a condition where the immune system attacks the intestines. During flare-ups, people with IBD might need to use the bathroom 10 to 20 times a day and are often unable to leave the toilet while awake. Symptoms of IBD include severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, intestinal narrowing, perforations, and fistulas[2].
The petition for extending NHI-covered medication for IBD beyond one year was initiated by the Taiwan IBD Patient Support Association and the Taiwan Intestinal Health Association. The petition has reached 5,000 signatures, with 70 percent of respondents expressing a desire for the removal of the three-month observation period following a relapse[1].
In addition, 60 percent of patients said their work or studies were affected by the disease, and 70 percent experienced anxiety and depression related to it[3]. More than 80 percent of respondents hope to extend the medication coverage period, with 91.3 percent of patients in the survey experiencing a relapse after one year, with nearly 40 percent relapsing within three months of stopping medication[1].
Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan has pledged a swift review by the NHI Administration[1]. If the condition flares up again, patients must wait for a three-month observation period before they can reapply for medication, which can be a challenging time for those suffering from the symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pains and bloody stools, which returned for more than 80 percent of patients[1].
The survey conducted by the associations collected 129 responses in two weeks, with 75 from patients themselves[1]. The associations advocate for extending the NHI-covered medication period for IBD to be comparable to other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis[4].
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions surrounding the need to extend NHI coverage duration for IBD medications in Taiwan highlight the importance of addressing the chronic nature of IBD management. The patient community is calling for greater and extended access to these essential treatments under the NHI.
References: [1] Chen, H. (2022). Calls for extending IBD medication coverage under NHI in Taiwan. Taipei Times. [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ibd/symptoms-causes/syc-20355384 [3] Chang, Y. (2021). Survey reveals challenges faced by IBD patients in Taiwan. Focus Taiwan. [4] IBD Patient Support Association, Taiwan Intestinal Health Association. (2022). Petition for extending IBD medication coverage under NHI. Change.org.
- The chronic relapsing nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) necessitates extended coverage of Medications under the National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan, as suggested by the petition from the Taiwan IBD Patient Support Association and the Taiwan Intestinal Health Association.
- Chronic diseases like IBD (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) pose not only physical health challenges but also mental health issues, with 70 percent of patients experiencing anxiety and depression related to their condition.
- Adequate nutrition and fitness-and-exercise play a significant role in managing IBD, yet the challenges faced by patients, such as frequent bathroom visits during flare-ups, can impede their adherence to a health-and-wellness routine.
- The current limited coverage under the NHI for IBD medications has sparked concerns among patients and advocates, as patients may experience frequent relapses, with nearly 40 percent relapsing within three months of stopping medication.
