Smoking prevalence down to 12.9 percent in Taipei

Taipei’s smoking prevalence among adults aged 18 and above dropped from 18.9 percent in 2008 to 12.9 percent last year, the lowest level among Taiwan’s major cities and counties, according to a story in the Taipei Times quoting Ministry of Health and Welfare statistics.

The Taipei Department of Health is crediting its stringent ban on smoking in all indoor public spaces and some outdoor venues, along with the growing awareness of the health risks of tobacco use, for the drop of 130,000 in the number of city residents who smoke.

But the drop is said to be the result also of cessation programs. According to the Times’ story, while 20 percent of ‘men’ who relied solely on willpower to quit smoking succeeded, 32.5 percent of ‘Taipei residents’ who used the second-generation Smoking Cessation Program were successful.

The program was implemented in March 2012, but, since January 12, it has offered smoking cessation drugs that are fully covered by the National Health Insurance system in 3,049 hospitals, clinics and community pharmacies nationwide.

Smokers using the service are required to pay only a medical registration fee ranging from NT$50 to NT$250 per visit, and 20 percent of the cost of medication, with a cap of NT$200 per prescription. Previously, they had to pay all of the costs beyond the maximum weekly subsidy of NT$250.