NTU Hospital President urges NHI coverage for GLP-1 drugs to treat fatty liver

Yu Chung-jen, President of National Taiwan University Hospital, has proposed that GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly referred to as ‘weight-loss injections,’ be included in the National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage for treating severe fatty liver disease. As viral hepatitis cases decline in Taiwan, non-viral fatty liver disease has emerged as a primary driver of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

With approximately 33% of Taiwanese adults suffering from metabolic fatty liver disease—affecting nearly 7 million people—medical experts emphasize the need for early intervention. Yang Pei-ming, CEO of the Liver Disease Foundation, noted that while these medications can assist in managing obesity and blood sugar related to fatty liver, they should be used as a phased aid alongside diet and exercise to prevent weight regain.

The National Health Insurance Administration stated that they have not yet received a formal proposal for covering these drugs for fatty liver indications, but will follow standard procedures if a case is submitted. Meanwhile, the Liver Disease Foundation continues to promote regular ultrasound screenings and is developing AI-assisted diagnostic tools to aid in early detection.