Suggestion: Incorporate chiropractic services into the national healthcare system.

President Lai Ching-te has set forth ambitious healthcare goals, including increasing the average life expectancy in Taiwan from 79 to 82 years, reducing the period individuals spend in ill health, lowering the child mortality rate from 5.3 per 1,000 to below 4 per 1,000, and addressing the challenges posed by Taiwan becoming a super-aged society.

The inclusion of chiropractic care as a complementary healthcare service in Taiwan would help realize President Lai’s comprehensive vision for healthcare reform. Chiropractic care, focusing on diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine, offers non-invasive, drug-free interventions. Integrating chiropractic services into the overall national healthcare program could play a pivotal role in addressing many of the key challenges Taiwan faces in supporting the health and welfare of its society, including:

• Addressing the needs of an aging population. As Taiwan transitions into a super-aged society, the prevalence of neuromusculoskeletal disorders among the elderly is expected to rise, leading to increased disability and reduced quality of life. Chiropractic care has been effective in managing age-related neuromusculoskeletal conditions, thereby enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall wellbeing among older adults.
• Extending lifespan and years of good health. Chronic pain and neuromusculoskeletal issues can significantly impact overall health, potentially causing other chronic conditions and having a negative impact on life expectancy. By providing effective management of these issues through chiropractic care, individuals can maintain a more active and healthier lifestyle, contributing to extending lifespans and reducing suffering.
• Reducing child mortality rates. While chiropractic care is primarily associated with adult musculoskeletal health, it also plays a role in pediatric care. Certain neuromusculoskeletal conditions in infants and children, if left unaddressed, can lead to complications affecting overall health. Incorporating chiropractic assessments and interventions can aid in early detection and management of such conditions, contributing to the reduction of child mortality rates.
• Enhancing disease prevention and health promotion. Chiropractic care emphasizes preventive health measures and patient education, encouraging individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles. By addressing neuromusculoskeletal issues early, chiropractic interventions can prevent the progression of conditions that may lead to chronic pain or disability, thereby contributing to overall wellbeing.
• Improving healthcare quality and accessibility. Integrating chiropractic services into the healthcare system provides patients with a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for managing neuromusculoskeletal conditions, offering more comprehensive care options and enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes. Chiropractic care can be particularly beneficial in rural areas where access to advanced medical care may be limited, thus helping to reduce health disparities.
• Contributing to a sustainable healthcare system. Neuromusculoskeletal disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, often resulting in significant healthcare expenditures. By incorporating chiropractic care, which has been shown to be cost-effective in managing such conditions, Taiwan can potentially reduce healthcare costs associated with surgeries and long-term use of medication. This approach aligns with the goal of developing a sustainable healthcare system.

Although chiropractic is recognized by the World Health Organization and more than a hundred countries around the world as a valued healthcare discipline, Taiwan has been slow to take that step. After undergoing rigorous training and being licensed abroad, doctors of chiropractic have been able to practice their profession in Taiwan – but only in a state of limbo. They have not received official recognition or even been allowed to promote themselves by operating websites.

Other countries in this region that traditionally did not have chiropractic as part of their healthcare regime have found ways to adopt and legitimize this form of therapy for the benefit of their citizens. For Taiwan to adopt a similar approach,  coordinated action across several fronts must be taken:

1. Establish a regulatory framework. Practitioners must meet standardized educational, training, and ethical criteria in order to be licensed to practice chiropractic in Taiwan.
2. Develop accredited chiropractic educational programs. These programs should be offered within Taiwanese universities to train local professionals and foster the growth of the profession domestically. Before making the necessary investment, educational institutions will need assurance that pathways exist for graduates to be licensed and fully recognized as healthcare practitioners.
3. Launch public awareness campaigns. These campaigns should educate citizens about the benefits and availability of chiropractic care, promoting its acceptance and utilization.

There is no sound reason why residents of Taiwan should be deprived of a form of healthcare that has benefited millions of people around the world, especially at a time when Taiwan is confronted with the immense challenge of preserving the health of a super-aged population.