Taiwan's Traditional Medicine Practitioners Rally Against Regulatory Changes

Proposed Revisions to Medicine Distribution Guidelines Spark Protests and Industry Concerns

TAIPEI (Taiwan) – Chinese medicine practitioners in Taiwan took to the streets in Taipei to protest the government’s recent decision to loosen regulations on the distribution of traditional medicine ingredients. The demonstration, held on Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office, drew approximately 5,000 participants, expressing strong opposition to a revised interpretation of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.

This protest marked the second phase of a two-part demonstration, with the initial action taking place on Tuesday as a flash mob outside the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHOW).

The heart of the controversy lies in the MHOW’s March 18th publication of a revised interpretation of Article 103 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. This revision aims to ease the requirements for obtaining certification as a distributor of traditional medicines. Protesters are vehemently demanding the government retract the measure, citing potential threats to public health and the economic stability of their industry.

Article 103 was originally designed to safeguard established businesses involved in the importation and distribution of ingredients used in traditional medicine. However, a decline in the number of approved businesses has led to a contraction of the industry in Taiwan in recent years. The government acknowledges the concern that existing circumstances may lead to a monopoly within the supply chain for traditional medicine practitioners and introduced the reinterpretation to stimulate the industry and attract new suppliers and practitioners.