Ma lauds Taiwan’s biomedical development

2016/02/15

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said Feb. 4 that the government is ramping up efforts to develop Taiwan’s biotechnology and medical care sectors, eyeing NT$4 trillion (US$120.4 billion) in total production by 2025.

“Biotechnology is set to become a major growth engine for the local economy in the years ahead, building on Bio Taiwan Committee’s comprehensive promotion plan spanning areas like agriculture, food, health care, medical instruments and pharmaceuticals,” Ma said.

“Capitalizing on cross-sector integration provided by such initiatives as the Taiwan Biotechnology Take-off Diamond Action Plan, our biomedicine revenue topped NT$280 billion in 2014, along with 94 public listed companies by the end of last year.

“We are optimistic this sector will account for 14 percent of Taiwan’s gross domestic product in 2020.”

Ma made the remarks while receiving this year’s National Biotechnology and Medical Care Quality Awards winners at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.

Created in 1998, the annual award recognizes those in Taiwan contributing to biomedical product R&D and services. One such example is this year’s pharmaceutical gold winner Novartis Taiwan Co. Ltd., producer of ruxolitinib. The drug is effective in treating the rare bone marrow-affecting disorder myelofibrosis.

“From the clinical trial to compassionate use, the new drug was entirely developed in Taiwan, and has benefitted numerous patients in the process. We will take such undertakings to the next level and help them find success worldwide by providing continued government support,” Ma said.

Another award winner is Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in New Taipei City’s Linkou District, which claimed two golds for medical facility and care service. The institution’s craniofacial center is equally known for providing advanced training programs and spearheading ROC overseas medical missions.

“While completing over 1,500 charity surgeries and treatments around the world, the CGMH team has trained 639 foreign medical personnel from 56 countries since its establishment in 1981,” Ma said.

“Going forward, we expect such efforts to continue expanding Taiwan’s international outreach and role as a provider of humanitarian assistance.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242120&ctNode=2194&mp=9)