To reduce pressure on emergency rooms and improve access to care during holidays, Taiwan’s central and local governments have jointly launched Urgent Care Centers (UCCs) operating on Sundays and national holidays. These centers provide outpatient services for mild and urgent conditions, with basic examinations such as X-rays, blood tests, and urine tests available when deemed necessary by physicians.
UCCs are suitable for symptoms such as fever, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal discomfort, simple wound care, and acute conditions in children. Operating hours are from 8 a.m. to midnight on Sundays and national holidays. Services mainly cover internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and orthopedics, with ENT, ophthalmology, or teleconsultations available as needed.
Currently, 13 UCC locations have been established across Taiwan’s six major municipalities. The copayment follows the same standard as primary care emergency services at NT$150, saving patients approximately NT$600 compared to visits to major medical centers.
Illustrative image of emergency care network (Photo pexels)
