The Social Welfare and Sanitation and Environment Committee of the Legislative Yuan reviewed the General Budget of the Central Government for 112 years of the Republic of China on the budget in charge of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Minister of Health and Welfare Xue Ruiyuan came to power to report and accept members' inquiries.

(Photo by reporter Tian Yuhua)

[Reporter Lin Huiqin/Taipei Report] According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as of the end of October this year, a total of 349 million doses of household rapid screening had been purchased and requisitioned. Minister of Health and Welfare Xue Ruiyuan pointed out a few days ago that the free distribution target is in addition to the current elderly over 65 years old and infants aged 0 to 6 years old. In addition to children, it is possible to consider expanding the target group. He further explained in the Legislative Yuan’s Social Welfare and Sanitation Committee today that the two directions under discussion are to expand to low-income and middle-low-income households and children under the age of 12, but the detailed plan is still to be popularized by the central government. The epidemic command center confirmed that it is expected to be on the road as soon as this month.

Xue Ruiyuan said that there are currently about 130 million doses of Quick Screening in stock, which will take effect at the end of next year or the beginning of the following year. The conversion period is still 13 to 15 months. Assuming that 13 months are used as the average, 10 million doses will be consumed every month. , but the epidemic is gradually slowing down, and the number of people who need quick screening for diagnosis may decrease, so I am also worried about whether there is too much left and must be destroyed, and is considering expanding the objects of free distribution.

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Xue Ruiyuan explained that there are currently two directions for the expansion of free distribution. One is to target the economically disadvantaged. Different from the previous one-time free distribution of 5 doses per person for low-income and middle-low-income households, it will be adjusted to free monthly. 5 doses are distributed, after all, the purchase is also a cost; the second is to lock children, from the current 0 to 6-year-old infants and young children, and have the opportunity to expand to under 12 years old.

The number and number of people involved are all under estimation. The new system is not expected to be extended to next month, and there will be a chance to hit the road this month.

As for DPP legislator Lai Huiyuan, is there a chance for office workers under the age of 65 to be included?

Xue Ruiyuan pointed out that at present, the real-name system of quick screening continues. In fact, the price is not expensive. They are sold at the cost price of 100 yuan per dose. Therefore, for office workers, it should be enough.