Pharmaceutical News
MOHW Minister Shih warns of balance billing’s impact on domestic drug supply
2025/10/20

Speaking on the sidelines of a Legislative Yuan Health Committee meeting, Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang on Oct. 13 stated that all 47 drugs identified by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration as having exited the local market by September are off-patent, adding that although 24 of the drugs are original brands, generic alternatives remain available.  

 

Regarding the drug balance billing system proposed by medical and pharmaceutical stakeholders, Minister Shih emphasized the need for careful discussion and evaluation, noting that such a policy could create negative public perceptions. He further cautioned that introducing a balance billing system for drugs might undermine the government’s efforts to promote the use of domestically produced generic drugs. In addition, the system could raise questions about whether balance billing should continue to apply to original drugs after their patents expire and generic alternatives become available.

 

Minister Shih said that Taiwan should reduce its reliance on imported drugs to strengthen the resilience of drug supply chain. He warned that implementing balance billing on imported original drugs could undermine efforts to build such resilience.

 

[2025-10-13/Central News Agency (CNA)]