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Use of NRICM101 for COVID-19 in Taiwan: A cross-sectional survey
Yu-Hwei Tseng1, Yu-Ching Huang2, Chia-Ching Liaw3
1Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
Background:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taiwanese government introduced a public funding policy for NRICM101, a traditional medicine (TM) formula, to address the urgent need for accessible and effective treatments. This study evaluates the impact of this policy on accessibility and population coverage of NRICM101 across different socioeconomic and geographic groups.
Methods:
A nationwide, internet-based survey was conducted from May to June 2023, enrolling 7042 participants. Respondents were classified based on their use of TM and NRICM101, as well as the funding source (government-funded vs. out-of-pocket). Sociodemographic characteristics, access patterns, perceived effectiveness and safety, and policy-related factors were analyzed.
Results:
Of the 7042 respondents, 4761 (67.6 %) used NRICM101, indicating a high national coverage. Among them, 2081 (44 %) received government-funded treatment. Government-funded NRICM101 was more commonly used by individuals with no prior TM experience, younger age, and residence outside Taipei. Multivariate analysis showed that those with no prior TM use (aOR = 1.48, 95 % CI: 1.25-1.75), under 18 y/o (aOR = 1.73, 95 % CI: 1.07-2.79), and from the East (aOR = 2.63, 95 % CI: 1.66-4.16) were significantly more likely to use government-funded NRICM101. Users receiving government-funded treatment were also more likely to report substantial symptom improvement (aOR = 4.33, 95 % CI: 3.38-5.55). After adjustment, gender, education, and income were no longer significant.
Conclusion:
The government-funded NRICM101 policy reduced financial barriers and enabled more equitable access to TM during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the value of integrating TM into national health strategies and offer an evidence-based reference for future pandemic preparedness and response.
