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Premier Lai touts New Southbound Policy medical cooperation plan
2018-06-15

The NSP medical cooperation and industrial development program aims to integrate Taiwan’s health care and biotech supply chains into key regional markets, according to Premier Lai Ching-te June 14. (CNA)

The NSP medical cooperation and industrial development program aims to integrate Taiwan’s health care and biotech supply chains into key regional markets, according to Premier Lai Ching-te June 14. (CNA)

 

The medical cooperation and industrial development program under the New Southbound Policy will integrate Taiwan’s health care and biotechnology supply chains into key emerging markets and bolster the nation’s international profile, according to Premier Lai Ching-te June 14.
 
Unveiled at the start of the month by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the initiative will establish one medical center each in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The facilities will provide health consultation services for expatriates, strengthen manufacturing tie-ups, survey regional regulations and market conditions, and train local health care professionals, the MOHW said.
 
Also in the pipeline is a disease prevention technology transfer center aimed at strengthening regional capabilities in tackling communicable illnesses as well as a health information services facility for workers traveling between NSP target countries.
 
The program will also connect regional pharmaceutical industries, export Taiwan’s leading-edge health information systems, foster regulatory alignment and promote reciprocal certification of food testing laboratories.
 
According to Lai, since its launch in 2016, the NSP has produced promising results in areas such as medical talent development and regional disease prevention collaboration. The program marks the next phase in these efforts and will work to achieve greater integration in health care markets, he said, adding that projects will cater to the demands of each target country so as to deliver effective, tailored solutions.
 
The MOHW said that by using Taiwan’s medical soft power to build a broad network of professionals, the initiative will create a comprehensive regional health care ecosystem and bolster economic growth at home and in partner nations.
 
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (KWS-E)