TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Health Minister Shih Chong-liang (石崇良) on Monday announced proposed inventory control measures in response to 47 drugs slated for withdrawal from Taiwan’s domestic market by foreign pharmaceutical companies.
Shih attended a legislative committee session where he said the Food and Drug Administration is drafting amendments to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (藥事法) to strengthen supply chain management and prevent shortages, per CNA.
Under the proposed amendment, drug manufacturers would be required to notify authorities at least six months before withdrawing products from the Taiwan market. The law would also empower the FDA to manage inventory and initiate special import programs should shortages arise.
Shih said the measure aims to ensure stable access to essential medicines, adding that most of the 47 drugs leaving the market have available generics or substitutes with similar ingredients. “The public should not worry about shortages or attempt to hoard remaining supplies,” he said.
However, some medical professionals expressed concern that more drug withdrawals could occur in the near future.
“There will be more withdrawals from the market in the future,” said Chiang Kuan-yu (姜冠宇), an attending physician at Taipei City Hospital’s Zhongxing Branch. He warned that continued market exits could reduce opportunities for medical cooperation and exchange.
Chiang also said that maintaining drug supply stability may require revising National Health Insurance reimbursement rates or allowing patients to pay more out-of-pocket for certain medications. He added that government messaging toward pharmaceutical companies has been overly punitive and has discouraged engagement.
Shih confirmed that among the affected products, only one injectable immunosuppressive agent, cyclosporine, used in organ transplants, currently lacks a direct domestic alternative. While oral formulations are available in Taiwan, the injectable form is considered clinically essential.
He said annual usage of the injectable drug is around 48,000 doses, and the existing domestic stock is expected to last until the end of next year. The ministry plans to launch a special import program to secure alternative sources of cyclosporine and protect patient access.
“The FDA will actively seek replacements and ensure a stable supply through imports,” Shih said. He added that his ministry will expand notification requirements to cover not only essential drugs, but all products scheduled for market withdrawal.
