Taipei: People with chronic illnesses who are set to run out of medication during the Lunar New Year holiday can visit clinics or hospitals from Saturday through Feb. 13 to receive early prescriptions or advance refills, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). The Lunar New Year holiday this year runs from Feb. 14 to Feb. 22. Patients originally scheduled for follow-up visits or prescription refills during the holiday can visit earlier to avoid interruptions in treatment, the MOHW said.

According to Focus Taiwan, about 1.46 million people are affected, the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) estimated. Those needing to collect refills in advance can use the National Health Insurance app to check the operating hours of contracted pharmacies. To do so, users should select Medical Inquiry, then Facility Search (List), and finally Contracted Pharmacies to see nearby locations and their reported hours.

Huang Yen-ju, spokesperson for the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations, advised that opening hours may change due to staffing or other unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended that people call the pharmacy before visiting to confirm it is open.