The Health Ministry’s cancer drug fund is set to be launched next year to help patients access innovative treatments. Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan (薛瑞元) said in a hearing at the legislature on Thursday that NT$6 billion (US$185 million) of the fund will be available through National Health Insurance (NHI).

The scale of the fund is aimed to reach approximately NT$10 billion (US$310 million) in total. However, there is currently no consensus on the amount to be allocated within NHI. Hsueh says that after the total amount is finalized, the plan will get on the road next year. 

During the hearing, DPP Legislator Lai Hui-yuan (賴惠員) raised concerns about the financial resources available for the plan. She also said that at present only about 30% of cancer drug indications are eligible for NHI coverage.

Hsueh says that the Health Ministry is considering expanding coverage to more indications but will need to consider the scientific evidence. He says some cancer drugs have not been studied in a large enough number of patients, despite many patients waiting to use these drugs. Therefore, the NHI has launched a temporary payment program to provide coverage while they collect data to confirm the efficacy of these drugs.