President Lai Ching-te announced at the meeting of the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee last week that the current drug price survey mechanism will be suspended for three years starting this year. During this period, the government will comprehensively review the pharmaceutical supply system while reassessing the drug pricing framework and the use of related resources. Various industrial associations expressed their support, believing this move helps re-examine the current system. They look forward to the government’s continued inclusion of industry practical experience during the review process to ensure subsequent reforms align more closely with market operations and clinical needs.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare later clarified that the suspension applies specifically to drug price surveys conducted under the Drug Expenditure Target (DET) mechanism and does not affect price adjustments for drugs whose patents have expired under existing regulations. Shih Chung-liang further explained that the purpose of suspending DET surveys is to allow a comprehensive review of the current system. Resources saved during this period will be earmarked for National Health Insurance pharmaceutical expenditure, including reimbursement for new medicines, price adjustments for essential and under-cost drugs, and support for the development of domestic generic medicines, with the goal of balancing supply stability and patient access.
The associations pointed out that the DET system has been in implementation for over a decade. During this time, the drug market structure, supply models, and cost conditions have shifted significantly, yet the base period values have remained unadjusted for a long time, leaving clear room for review and optimization. Looking ahead, revising drug pricing adjustment regulations alongside DET reform could help establish a more flexible and predictable pricing governance framework. Industry leaders further emphasized that future drug price governance should move beyond mere price reductions. Instead, it should focus on quality, efficacy, supply stability, and affordability. By establishing institutional communication mechanisms, the government can balance supply resilience, industrial development, and patient rights, ultimately fulfilling the patient-centered goals of the "Healthy Taiwan" policy.
【2025-03-10/NOWnews】
