The first case of NHI-covered CAR-T cell therapy was completed on 2 January, and the patient will be discharged from the hospital after two weeks of observation. At present, there are six other approved cases from National Taiwan University Hospital and Taichung Veterans General Hospital, which are expected to be completed in January, according to Shih Chung-liang (石崇良), director general of the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA).

NHIA has included CAR-T therapy in its health insurance scheme since 1 November last year. Indications include acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and it is a 'temporary payment' for a period of two years, with the cost up to NT$8.19 million. It is estimated that 100 people can benefit each year, and the NHIA needs to allocate NT$800 million per annum.

NHI-covered CAR-T therapies must be approved by healthcare professionals before they can be used in patients. To date, one case of acute leukaemia and six cases of lymphoma have been approved; one case of lymphoma has been completed and the other six cases are expected to be completed in January.

Shih noted that seven medical centres in the country at present can carry out CAR-T therapy, with the first approved case being treated at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. More recently, six cases have been submitted by the National Taiwan University Hospital and two by the Taichung Veterans General Hospital. In addition, five cases of acute leukaemia and lymphoma are currently under review.

Once NHI-covered CAR-T cases have been completed, further follow-up data will be collected for prognostic purposes. In the future, an expert panel formed by haemato-oncology associations and medical societies will discuss what data should be collected within a two-year period for further review to justify whether NHI coverage should continue or payment terms should be adjusted.