Hospitals implementing contingency measuresPLASTIC PRODUCTS: NTUH has established a rapid response mechanism in the face of potential medical supply shortages due to the conflict in the Middle EastBy Hou Chia-yu, Lin Chih-yi and Esme Yeh / Staff reporters, with staff writerHospitals say that they have initiated contingency measures in response to the impact of the Middle East conflict on medical supplies and electricity prices. Photo: Chung Li-hua, Taipei TimesWhile the problem is compounded by delays in delivery and a potential supply shortage, many large domestic hospitals have initiated contingency measures to ensure continuity in clinical services. Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀) said the ministry has been examining the scope of the impact from the Middle East conflict on medical supplies. Taiwan College of Healthcare Executives president Hung Tzu-jen (洪子仁) said that prices of some medical supplies have already increased 5 percent to 20 percent, or been delayed by two weeks to a month. An early warning system for medical supply shortages should be implemented, while the feasibility of subsidies or a price buffer mechanism should also be explored, he said.

Source: Taipei Times March 27, 2026 17:14 UTC