In Taiwan, the term “pharmaceuticals” refers to both Western medicines and traditional Chinese herbal medicines. There are roughly 250 registered herbal medicine producers in Taiwan and 280 registered Western medicine manufacturers. Taiwan’s pharmaceutical industry grossed US$2.52 billion in sales in 2000, up... Read More
Taiwan’s Quality System Documentation (QSD) system requires device manufacturers to pass a “paper audit” before medical devices can be registered in that country. QSD is part of Taiwan’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) system, implemented for medical devices in early 1999. Under Taiwan’s... Read More
The Taiwanese government has promised to invest US$1.6 billion for biotechnology research and development projects over the next several years. This is in addition to the approximately US$4 billion private Taiwanese companies have invested in this sector (a significant portion of private... Read More
Despite sluggish economies in some countries, Asia still represents future growth opportunities in healthcare products. Over the next 20 years, Asian healthcare markets are expected to grow at a rate two and a half times that of the West. A rising standard... Read More
The Bureau of Pharmaceutical Affairs, Under the Department of Health (DOH), regulates medical devices in Taiwan. Devices are classified into three classes. Class I consists of devices that are not life supporting or life sustaining and which do not present unreasonable risk... Read More
While many countries are experiencing significant increases in medical costs, Taiwan has kept its healthcare expenditures to a minimum and is still able to provide services to over 96% of its citizens. Additionally, Taiwan’s Department of Health (DOH) is working to promote... Read More
Recovering economies throughout Asia offer promising markets for foreign medical device firms as well as opportunities for local product development and manufacturing. Before the Asian financial crisis, regional medical device markets grew at double-digit rates. Patients wanted the technologically innovative, cost-effective devices... Read More
Despite Asia’s short-term economic crisis, Asia will bounce back soon and still be a dominant factor in the 21st century. Similarly, there will be many opportunities for international medical companies in Asia. Before an international medical company can sell its products in... Read More
As of 1995, U.S. medical manufacturers held about 40% of Taiwan’s import market and that number will continue increase as Taiwan expands its medical technology market. Currently, the Department of Health (DOH) oversees all national health policies, formulates new programs, and manages... Read More
In Asia, health problems like cancer, heart disease, and automobile accidents are beginning to become the major causes of death, rather than infectious diseases. This major shift in health problems has pressed Taiwan’s government to improve its healthcare system. Previously, Taiwan had... Read More