At a meeting with representatives from the biomedical industry at the National Biotechnology and Medicine Care Quality Award ceremony this Monday, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said he has instructed the Cabinet to plan a four-year plan for national pharmaceutical resilience. 

“We plan to invest NT$24 billion (US$756 million) and will build a drug supply defense line for Taiwan through domestic production for domestic use, smart regulation, and international alliances,” Lai said. The goal of the initiative is to boost industry momentum, drive a trillion-dollar economy, and make Taiwan an indispensable partner in the global biomedical supply chain.

Lai emphasized that as Taiwan’s first president with a physician background, one of his most important responsibilities is actively promoting a healthier Taiwan. To this end, he is working to build a more comprehensive and robust National Health Insurance (NHI) and healthcare system, cultivate outstanding medical professionals, and develop the biomedical industry into another pillar protecting the nation.

Regarding NHI, the president said that the total budget for the system has increased from NT$875.5 billion (US$27.8 billion) in 2024 to NT$928.6 billion (US$29.5 billion) in 2025, and will reach NT$988.3 billion (US$31.4 billion) this year. With an additional NT$19.9 billion (US$633 million) in government funding, the program’s real scale has reached NT$1 trillion (US$32 billion) this year, a 6.5% increase and a record high.

Per Lai, the main goal of improving the NHI system is to improve compensation for medical professionals. The Health Ministry has already raised payments for internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and critical care. 

He also emphasized that alongside a strong healthcare system and skilled medical professionals, a thriving biomedical industry is necessary for support. Lai said the government is working on relevant amendments and legislation in addition to implementing a five-year plan focused on promoting smart healthcare. 

Lai said the government will continue supporting innovation, research, and real-world applications in the industry, promote smart and digital transformation, strengthen healthcare resilience and accessibility, and help Taiwan’s technologies reach the international stage.