Innovation in healthcare, fueling hope for a healthy Taiwan, stems from the dedication, ongoing advancements, and collaboration among doctors, international healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and governments. To highlight recent developments in medical devices and their potential benefits for Taiwanese patients, AmCham Taiwan and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) co-hosted the 2024 U.S.-Taiwan Patient Care Innovation Forum on August 13 at the Regent Taipei.
Opening remarks at the forum were provided by AmCham President Patrick P. Lin and AIT Deputy Director Jeremy Cornforth. Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi delivered the event’s keynote speech.
In her remarks, Lin highlighted the encouraging progress made through Taiwan’s collaborations with AmCham, American entities, and domestic industries, drawing valuable insights from those at the forefront of the field. She further emphasized that both President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim have committed to surpassing existing accomplishments to forge a “second silicon shield” within the medical sector – a goal that will necessitate deepened and extensive collaboration.
“Putting patients first is essential,” Lin said. “As we develop new treatments and technologies, it is crucial that our budgets, policies, and regulations evolve accordingly. The Ministry of Health and Welfare will continue to prioritize patient care and ensure that our healthcare system meets their needs effectively.”
Dr. Chen Hsi-hsien, nephrologist and director of Internal Medicine at Taipei Medical University Hospital, gave the event’s first presentation, speaking on Expanded Hemodialysis therapy (HDx). Chen noted that measuring dialysis success in survival alone isn’t enough; patient quality of life and functionality are equally important. Despite comprehensive insurance, over 80% of dialysis patients face complications like pruritus, fatigue, and trouble sleeping, as well as heightened cardiovascular disease risks, leading to higher medical costs. Innovations like HDx have reduced all-cause hospitalization rates by 45% and mortality by 25%, improving patient well-being, reducing medication needs, and supporting reintegration into society.
Next, Kao Hsien-li, director of National Taiwan University Hospital’s Cardiovascular Center, presented on the topic of IMVAD, a groundbreaking innovation in heart failure therapy. Heart-related complications are the leading cause of death in Taiwan, with heart failure posing a high mortality risk. Technologies like Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) have been crucial in improving circulation. However, ECMO has significant risks, including bleeding and vessel clogging. Inspired by Archimedes’ pump, IMVAD devices provide an effective alternative for relieving heart pressure and have proven highly beneficial.
Following Dr. Kao’s presentation, Dr. Huang Yu-yi, director of the Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center’s Department of Nuclear Medicine, spoke of Precision Radioligand Therapy (RLT). This new discovery offers hope to neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients, using targeted radiology to kill cancer cells by binding a tumor-specific molecule to a radioisotope, effectively targeting and eliminating tumors with gamma and beta rays. The primary goal of RLT is to improve survival rates, and expanding RLT research and approval processes could position Taiwan as an international leader in this field.
Moving on to the topic of robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Chao Yin-kai, vice chief of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital’s Department of Surgery, presented significant strides that have improved patient outcomes. Dr. Chao noted that the rising prevalence of lung cancer, marked by late detection and high mortality, is driving up healthcare costs. Minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgeries like robotic lobectomies, offer high precision and better long-term outcomes, making them cost-effective when evaluating their impact on patient quality of life and healthcare costs.
For the fifth and final presentation, the audience welcomed Dr. Hsieh I-chang, director of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital’s Department of Cardiology. Dr. Hsieh emphasized the lifesaving possibilities of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVI offers a less invasive alternative to conventional surgery, significantly reducing recovery time and infection risks. This method is also associated with reduced healthcare costs stemming from extended hospital stays and postoperative care. As TAVI evolves to include a broader range of patients, its adoption is crucial in managing and potentially reversing severe conditions, including heart failure, to alleviate healthcare burden.
In his closing remarks, Shih Chung-liang, director-general of the National Health Insurance Administration, noted that the consensus among the event’s speakers aligns with Taiwan’s healthcare policy goals: minimize workload while maximizing patient outcomes. Moreover, he stressed the importance of fostering a sustainable National Health Insurance system and boosting Taiwan’s economy through the medical technology sector.
“The dialogue here today has shed light on advancing patient care and enhancing the long-term viability of our NHI system, which could mean a billion-dollar difference in costs with the right policies in place,” Shih said. “Together, we can achieve greater health outcomes and sustainability for Taiwan’s healthcare.”
