In addition to the impact of the pandemic, shipping disruptions and the war between Russia and Ukraine, low NHI drug prices are also a contributing factor in the drug shortage crisis, according to some experts.  They suggested that the government should establish a drug shortage center to proactively monitor the situation and maintain a list of drugs that are urgently needed so as to safeguard public health.  This proposed center should also perform the function of monitoring the supply of substitute drugs.  Regarding an increase in the applications of drug importation for personal use, the government is advised to carefully assess each case to protect patients’ rights while preventing fraudsters from abusing the system. 

Shen Tsai-Ping, the Spokesperson of the TPMMA, expressed that drug shortage has become the norm which is worsening by the pandemic, shipping disruptions and war.  Instead of providing a passive reporting mechanism for the healthcare providers, the government should instead establish a drug shortage center to proactively monitor the situation so as to tackle the problem as early as possible.

Prof Chang Yu-Li, the Director of the Pharmacy Department of the VGH Taipei, expressed that Taiwan is a small country and relies heavily on the imports of drugs and raw materials; therefore, any supply disruption can easily affect the drug provision in Taiwan.  However, most of the shortages are short-term.  Prof Chang reckoned that the existing reporting mechanism and corresponding measures are sufficient for the authority to grasp the information of drug shortage and to formulate corresponding measures.

Prof Chang continued that while there are usually substitutes for the drugs in shortage, manufacturers are often unable to respond to shortage immediately.  Therefore, a pathway for special imports is necessary. 

Dr Hu Yoa-Pu, the Standing Director of the Taiwan Society of Health-System Pharmacists, expressed that as international manufacturers’ product profiles seldom overlap with each other, drug supply is vulnerable to sudden supply chain disruption.  In a drug shortage crisis, Taiwan has to compete with other countries to secure purchases; but the low NHI drug prices do not help.   Dr Hu suggested that the government should, first of all, compile a list of the drugs mostly needed, and then try to ensure a steady supply of them.  The government should review the impact of NHI drug prices on drug supply and formulate strategies accordingly. 

Prof Kao Ya-Hui of the National Cheng Kung University pointed out an increase in applications of drug importation for personal use.  Some importers may use this pathway to avoid the government’s scrutiny, posing a risk to patients.  The government should play well its role as the gatekeeper and carefully assess every application. 

【2022-04-18 / Liberty Times】