TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan will roll out expanded postpartum healthcare services beginning in May, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) announced Monday (March 31), addressing a critical gap in the nation's maternal care system. The initiative is expected to benefit between 60,000 and 80,000 new mothers this year, offering enhanced support during the vulnerable postpartum period, including two dedicated psychological counseling sessions through the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛生福利部).
The government will invest approximately NT$80 million (around US$2.41 million) in the initiative to protect the physical and mental health of new mothers, Premier Cho stated during the announcement. Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) acknowledged a significant gap in Taiwan's healthcare system, noting that postpartum services have been notably insufficient within the country's otherwise comprehensive birth-to-elderly care framework.
The program represents an extension of Taiwan's existing prenatal care into the crucial postpartum period, according to Lin Yu-hsuan (林宇旋), an official from the Health Promotion Administration (HPA, 國民健康署). New mothers will receive two dedicated health consultations that include guidance on postpartum weight management and recovery. Lin explained that additional referral services for breastfeeding education and psychological support will be available as needed, with the two postpartum health visits scheduled strategically at one and three months after delivery.