The Health Ministry’s Health Promotion Administration (HPA) announced on Tuesday that it will lower the age threshold for free annual health checkups to 30 years old starting this month. This change comes as part of an effort to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases through early detection of major risk factors.
Taiwan has been promoting preventive health care services since 1995, initially offering free health checkups every three years for individuals aged 40 to 64 and annually for those aged 65 and up. However, with rising prevalence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids among younger populations, the HPA is now extending the service to include people aged 30 to 39, with checkups available every five years.
Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) emphasized that these checkups have played a crucial role in protecting the Taiwanese population from chronic diseases. He also noted that by expanding the age bracket and detecting early warning signs, the initiative is expected to improve public health outcomes.
The checkup includes a physical exam, blood test, kidney function test, and health consultation. An estimated 3.2 million people will benefit from this expanded program.