Drug repurposing revitalizes existing drugs for new uses, offering faster, affordable medical solutions. Taiwan is emerging as a leader in this innovative approach, with treatments like aspirin for heart health and remdesivir for Covid-19.
Veneers are transforming cosmetic dentistry, offering precise, efficient treatments that enhance both appearance and function. Achieving the perfect smile requires a blend of technology, artistry, and careful consideration of natural teeth.
In September, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration expanded coverage to 46 da Vinci robotic-assisted surgeries, benefiting 8,400 patients annually. Patients now only pay material copayments, adding NT$285 million (US$8.75 million) to the NHI budget. This change boosts healthcare efficiency and improves patient outcomes, with fewer complications and faster recoveries, making robotic-assisted surgery a cost-effective long-term solution despite initial costs.
Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BD) has evolved from a syringe manufacturer into a leading MedTech company, driving digital transformation in healthcare with solutions like automated pharmacy systems that improve efficiency and patient outcomes. In Taiwan, BD’s innovations align with the government’s “Healthy Taiwan” initiative, as the country aims to establish itself as a MedTech hub. Despite Taiwan’s strengths in electronics and healthcare, challenges such as improving software and aligning regulatory standards with global norms remain. As AI becomes integral to healthcare, addressing these issues will be crucial for Taiwan’s MedTech competitiveness.
Taiwan has made significant strides in e-waste recycling, achieving an impressive recycling rate of approximately 85.9% for discarded electronics, potentially the highest in the world. As the country braces for a surge in battery waste due to the rise of electric vehicles, experts emphasize the need to enhance local recycling capabilities and reduce reliance on imported processing, highlighting both environmental and strategic benefits of recycling lithium from end-of-life batteries.
In recent years, Taiwan has transformed its energy landscape, culminating in the elevation of the Bureau of Energy to the Energy Administration in 2023. A discussion with Deputy Director General Lee Chun-li highlighted the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, with a focus on diversifying renewable energy sources and enhancing energy security amid global geopolitical tensions.
Taiwan is harnessing its abundant solar resources to advance a green revolution, enhancing energy security and boosting economic growth. As the island phases out nuclear power and faces challenges in integrating solar energy with storage solutions, it is also tackling regulatory and land-use hurdles to expand its solar capacity.
Taiwan’s new government is spearheading the “Healthy Taiwan” initiative to revamp the nation’s healthcare system with ambitious goals, including reducing cancer deaths by a third by 2030 and improving access to cutting-edge treatments. The plan involves increasing early disease detection, integrating new cancer drugs into the National Health Insurance (NHI), and enhancing overall health care services without overextending the NHI’s budget. Key elements include a comprehensive health exam for citizens, telemedicine, and a significant fund dedicated to advanced cancer treatments.
In Taiwan, the critical need for adult vaccinations is growing, yet many adults are not up-to-date due to financial barriers and lack of awareness. Vaccines like HPV and flu are often not covered by public health insurance for adults, leading to lower vaccination rates. Improving public education, making vaccines more accessible, and learning from successful vaccination strategies can enhance adult immunization and public health.
The Lai administration has bold ambitions for supporting cancer patients, but many details about the plan still remain uncertain. President Lai Ching-te gained widespread public interest during his election campaign last year by announcing his “Healthy Taiwan” policy focusing on disease prevention and health maintenance. The cornerstone of the plan is the establishment of a…
