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.