Taiwan drug company to raise medication prices July 1

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Taisho Pharmaceutical (台灣大正製藥) announced Monday (June 2) that medication prices will surge across 17 products starting July 1. The pharmaceutical company cited mounting industry pressures as the driving force behind the price adjustments, marking a significant shift for Taiwan's healthcare market.

Price increases will range from NT$10 to NT$40 (around US$0.33 to US$1.33), designed to address economic pressures while preserving medication quality. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining pharmaceutical standards despite rising operational costs. The price adjustments will impact essential over-the-counter medications including cold granules, cold tablets, rhinitis capsules, and gastrointestinal treatments. These products represent some of Taiwan's most commonly purchased pharmaceutical items for everyday health concerns.

Company statements revealed that six-pack cold granules will increase from NT$120 to NT$130 (around US$4.00 to US$4.33). The larger 26-pack cold granules will jump from NT$430 to NT$460 (around US$14.34 to US$15.34), representing substantial cost increases for consumers. Eye drops face the steepest increase, jumping 20% from NT$200 to NT$240 (around US$6.67 to US$8.00). This dramatic price surge has captured significant public attention and concern among regular users of the medication.

Shen Tsai-ying (沈采穎), chairman of the Grassroots Pharmacists Association (基層藥師協會), a professional organization representing Taiwan's community pharmacists, confirmed the price adjustments. She warned of significant consumer impact as these medications represent essential healthcare products for many families. Shen predicted that rising domestic COVID-19 cases will peak during Taiwan's summer vacation period. The timing coincides with increased travel and social gatherings, potentially amplifying demand for the affected medications.

The pharmacist association chairman advised consumers to stockpile essential medications including antipyretics, antihistamines, and cough expectorants. This preparation strategy aims to help families avoid higher costs while ensuring adequate medication supplies during potential illness outbreaks. Shen stressed that price increases remain necessary to maintain pharmaceutical quality standards during ongoing economic pressures. The industry faces rising production costs that threaten medication availability and effectiveness without appropriate pricing adjustments.

Consumers should strategically plan medication purchases before July 1 when the price increases take effect. Early purchasing could provide significant savings on essential household medical supplies. Taiwan's public will closely monitor both medication pricing and COVID-19 case developments throughout the summer months. The convergence of rising healthcare costs and potential illness outbreaks creates heightened concern among consumers and healthcare professionals ◼