MDAP President Pushes for Strategic Manufacturing Alliances at Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan

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With a population nearing 120 million and persistent shortages in healthcare resources, medical reform in the Philippines is no longer optional but an urgent necessity. Seeking breakthroughs, Dr. Luis Ramon Rodriguez, President of the Medical Device Association of the Philippines (MDAP), visited the 2024 Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan, where he praised Taiwan’s innovation in medical technology and delivered a clear message: the Philippines is actively seeking strategic partnerships with Taiwan.

Addressing the urgent need for medical reform in the Philippines due to its large population and healthcare resource shortages, Dr. Luis Ramon Rodriguez, President of the Medical Device Association of the Philippines (MDAP), visited the 2024 Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan to highlight Taiwan's medical technology innovation and the Philippines' active pursuit of strategic partnerships with Taiwan.

Dr. Rodriguez’s main goal was to gain deeper insight into Taiwan’s medical device manufacturing and innovation, while exploring collaboration opportunities. He highlighted the Philippine government’s ambitious plan to build 6,000 new primary healthcare facilities. However, the rapid expansion in services is outpacing available healthcare personnel, driving a sharp rise in demand for medical equipment and consumables-creating a rare market entry window for Taiwanese suppliers.

Currently, the Philippines has nearly 10,000 healthcare facilities, with total medical expenditure reaching $120 billion. The medical device market remains highly import-dependent, with annual imports of medical equipment valued at $1.9 billion and pharmaceuticals at $1.7 billion. While China is the largest source of imports and Taiwan ranks eighth, Dr. Rodriguez believes Taiwan is well-positioned to become a more strategic partner as over 30 new medical institutions are under construction and equipment upgrades continue.

The passage of the Universal Healthcare Act in 2019 has further accelerated healthcare access, with the government now covering hospital expenses and boosting demand for high-quality equipment and supplies. Yet, challenges remain: medical devices must be registered with the Philippine FDA, which involves a complex classification system, registration backlogs, lengthy procedures, high logistics costs, and financial restrictions.

Recognizing these pain points, the Philippine government has begun implementing reforms. The FDA is working with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PESA) to establish dedicated medical and pharmaceutical zones, offering incentives such as zero tariffs, tax holidays, and expedited customs clearance. Malaysian furniture manufacturer LKL has already benefited from these policies. Dr. Rodriguez also revealed that the Department of Health plans to expand outpatient and specialty centers, further fueling demand for medical devices.

Dr. Rodriguez extended an open invitation to Taiwan’s medical device manufacturers to set up operations in the Philippines, whether for manufacturing or assembly. He acknowledged existing regulatory barriers but expressed confidence that joint efforts between Taiwan and the Philippines can overcome them. As the regulatory environment opens up and healthcare infrastructure rapidly expands, the Philippine medical device market is at a critical turning point. For Taiwanese companies, this is not just an export opportunity but a chance for deep, strategic collaboration-seizing this momentum could secure a strong foothold in one of Southeast Asia’s most promising emerging markets.

About Medical Device Association of the Philippines (MDAP)

Founded in 2023 to promote international cooperation, the Medical Device Association of the Philippines (MDAP) aims to help the government reduce healthcare costs, expand universal coverage, and actively seek partnerships in assembly, OEM, and manufacturing. To this end, MDAP has established the “Philippine Medical Warehouse” in Manila, offering a one-stop service platform that includes product display, marketing, distributor matching, FDA registration support, logistics, customs, and even installation, maintenance, and calibration services.