The recently approved national drug resilience program will focus on assistance for Taiwan-made pharmaceuticals to improve domestic supply capacity. Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀) confirmed Friday, August 14, that the program’s committee has already held its first meeting and that the second meeting will shortlist key medications for government support.

The four-year, NT$24 billion (nearly US$750 million) project plans will be selecting drugs based on factors such as common use, concentrated supply sources, and long-term reliance on import products. Over 60 key drugs have already been named, including those treating hypertension, diabetes, and bacterial infections.

Lin said that in addition to bolstering domestic production, the Health Ministry is planning a regulation amendment to support drug reserve centers. She stated that these will not only address the needs of hospitals, but also incorporate community pharmacies into the system, strengthening distribution and allocation.

Furthermore, Lin emphasized that underground healthcare is a core component of maintaining healthcare resilience in response to potential conflict or disasters. She said that the Health Ministry is actively encouraging and guiding all critical care hospitals in Taiwan to prioritize preparations so that, in the event of an emergency, medical services can be transferred underground to maintain hospital operational capacity.