In response to frequent drug shortages in recent years, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has proposed amendments to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and the Drug Injury Relief Act. The Legislative Yuan's Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee completed its review and sent the drafts out of the committee on Jan. 19.

Committee Co-convenor and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Liu Chien-kuo pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply of various medications was unstable, even posing risks of total exhaustion. He stated that the purpose of these amendments is to bridge institutional gaps and ensure patient safety regarding medication use.

At the end of 2025, the Executive Yuan announced the "National Pharmaceutical Resilience and Preparedness Plan," which earmarks NT$24 billion in investment over the next four years. The plan includes establishing a cross-departmental project office to enhance domestic drug production and supply chain resilience. However, opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Wang Yu-min questioned the office's effectiveness, arguing that without dedicated personnel and by simply relying on existing committee structures, it may struggle to function. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) stated that detailed planning is still under evaluation.

Regarding the direction of the legislation, Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Legislator Chen Chao-tzu warned that if the responsibility for shortages is placed too heavily on manufacturers—especially given Taiwan’s small market size and low drug prices—it could increase the risk of manufacturers exiting the market. She urged the MOHW to provide supporting measures. Liu Chien-kuo emphasized that the focus of the amendments is on establishing "early warning" and "response" mechanisms for shortages. Simultaneously, the Drug Injury Relief Act is being amended to include medications imported under emergency special licenses within the scope of the relief fund, thereby strengthening protections for patients.

[2025-1-19/China Times]