Lin Chi-Wan (Director of the Industrial Technology Research Institute) dictated to UDN reporter
The emergence of smart health provides the medical device industry in Taiwan an opportunity to accelerate the growth and to abandon their usual practice of following international manufacturers’ steps. As smart, high-value and personalized healthcare becomes a trend, Taiwan should apply the information and communication technology (ICT) advantages to the development of smart health by integrating existing electronic medical devices and pitch the industry at the global market.
Almost every government is now beset with the problems of an ageing society and low birth rate. Understaffed hospitals are usually not able meet the public’s high expectation of healthcare, hence, causing many medical disputes. Many fatal diseases have now become manageable chronic conditions. All these factors have contributed to an increase in health expenditure.
In Taiwan, the health expenditure is maintained at about 5.97% of the GDP, much lower than the 17.9% in the US. The development of smart health is the best solution for lowering health cost and improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare service.
The development of digital technology starts a revolution in healthcare. Taiwan has the advantage of ICT, huge NHI data, and excellent healthcare service. These are the three pillars of the development of smart health. Rapid integration of these three elements will help Taiwan to set the standards for the industry. Taiwan has the potential to become the pioneer and quintessence of the smart health industry.
Some manufacturers in Taiwan have already engaged in smart health. However, their impact is not far-reaching. The ITRI is playing the role of an integration platform. The ITRI will provide the key component technologies, such as ultrasonic modules, optical detection modules and digital X-ray modules, to be integrated with treatment methods, big data and AI. The ITRI will encourage manufacturers to exchange ideas and discuss on the platform with a view to searching for the best business opportunities.
【 2018-03-14/ United Daily】
