The heads of the Institute for Biotechnology and Medicine Industry (IBMI) visited President Tsai and offered advices on industrial policies. The IBMI delegates included Wong Chi-Huey, the President of the IBMI, Yang Pan-Chyr, Barry Lin and Tsai Chang-Hai. They put forward four major suggestions on the future development of the health industry in the post-pandemic era.
The four suggestions include: opening up new technologies through EUA, strengthening the procurement of local medical supplies as part of the national defence strategies, exporting medical services featuring Taiwan’s expertise in epidemic prevention and control, and accelerating the transformation and application of digital health.
The IBMI published its open letter after visiting Premier Yu, Vice President Lai and President Tsai. The open letter covers four major suggestions and 15 key points.
Those suggestions were acknowledged by President Tsai. According to the President, digital transformation and biomedical industry are covered in the 6 core strategic industries mentioned in her inauguration speech. She pointed out that the private sector’s capacity and the industry’s participation are the most important driving factors for economic development. President Tsai encouraged the IBMI to join other scientists, medical professionals and industry stakeholders to continue in-depth dialogues with the government.
Wong Chi-Huey expressed that the IBMI put forward the suggestions on behalf of the private sector. The government is already working on some of the topics. He believes that many questions could be resolved through continuous communication. Wong pointed out that the pandemic has given Taiwan a chance to reflect on globalization, industrial supply chain, ecological environment, and national security. The industry should seize the opportunity to transform, create a robust regulatory environment and encourage the investment in talents and capital so that the industry can compete internationally.
Barry Lin stressed that smart technology will see an exponential growth driven by 5G and AI, and bring revolutionary new services and convenience to the public. Taiwan must grasp this opportunity to push for changes in technology, medical users and the health/NHI system.
Yang Pan-Chyr proposed to prioritize the open platform for NHI database and the facilitation of real world evidence. The government could provide a regulatory sandbox and flexible regulations to encourage the application of smart technologies so as to help the industry to develop brands and export products.
Tsai Chang-Hai suggested that the government should increase the drug review efficiency, as well as to accelerate the de-identification process of NHI data, to promote its commercial use and to speed up the revision of the Regenerative Medicinal Product Act.
【2020-10-19 / Economic Daily】
