NHI Update: Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare says new National Health Insurance coverage rules took effect Oct. 1, expanding reimbursement for several rare-disease, cardiovascular, blood-disorder and cancer medications, including pembrolizumab for certain head and neck cancers and CAR-T Yescarta for specific diffuse large B-cell lymphoma groups (with clinical eligibility review noted). Flu Vaccination Push: Taiwan’s CDC reports more than 601,000 people received public-funded flu vaccines in the first two days of the season, with flu activity at peak levels and vaccination encouraged amid rising cases in Japan. HPV Reminder: A Taichung urologist warns of a spike in genital wart removals after the Mid-Autumn holiday, urging safe sex and follow-up care even after HPV vaccination. Dementia Tech: Taiwan’s Institute for Information Industry and partners developed AI that turns old photos, voice recordings and family stories into personalized videos for dementia care, completing a proof-of-concept trial at Mennonite Christian Hospital in Hualien. Drug Diversion: Taiwan’s Agency of Corrections says the share of inmates serving drug-related sentences fell over five years, citing community-based addiction treatment under the 2025–2028 anti-drug strategy. Safety Alert: Parents are warned about “squishy” fidget toys sold online with medical syringes/needles after reports of children getting injured, prompting investigations and calls for tighter controls.