TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is facing a shortage of intravenous fluids that could last until October, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛生福利部, MOHW). The ministry supplies 500cc packages, and many hospitals have temporarily halted surgeries requiring large amounts of intravenous fluids. However, the MOHW promises to resume supplying 1,000cc packages by the end of July.
The scarcity is largely due to Y F Chemical Corp (永豐化學工業股份有限公司), which supplies 70% of Taiwan's intravenous fluids. The company has recently stopped production due to violations of PIC/S GMP regulations and the expiration of its license.
Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Chen Ching-hui (陳菁徽) warned that the shortage could last for four months, during which Taiwan will have to rely on foreign procurement at two to three times the cost.
KMT Legislator Wang Yu-min (王育敏) pointed out that Taiwan's domestic production capacity could not be increased without Y F Chemical Corp. Currently, 80% of Taiwan's intravenous fluids are imported on a project basis. Wang urged the MOHW to take control of other drugs or medical materials produced by only one or two manufacturers.
Despite the concerns, Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) assured Taiwan's intravenous fluid supply is stable. He expects the 1000cc packages to be available by the end of July. With the guidance of the MOHW, Y F Chemical Corp is expected to return to normal by the end of the year, significantly improving the supply of 2000cc packages.
Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Director-General Wang Der-yuan (王德原) explained that six domestic intravenous fluid manufacturers have joined efforts to increase production.
Wang said the maximum increase in production over the next month would be around 450,000 bags, but efforts are underway to boost production capacity further.