2009 Taipei Int'l Mediphar exhibition closes 4-day run

The 21st installment of the annual trade event, organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Formosan Medical Association, took place at the Taipei World Trade Center, Exhibition Hall One, from Nov. 5 to 8.

Vice President Vincent Siew spoke at the show's opening ceremony on Nov. 5. A lung cancer patient, Siew expressed the significance he attached to the development of Taiwan's health care industry.

“Of the six emerging industries identified by the government for target promotion, two have to do with people's health, namely biotech and long-term care,” he said. “Health care is important for everyone. I hope the government and the private sector can work together to further its development.”

Siew also presented this year's Mediphar Product Innovation Awards to six winners, chosen from 11 finalists. “Innovation is key to Taiwan's economic development,” he said. “The government will next year propose industrial innovation legislation in the hope of helping businesses improve their R&D, innovation and brand marketing.”

This year's Taipei Mediphar attracted 290 participating companies running 600 booths. The show was divided into seven main pavilions: Medical Use IT and Communication Products; Diagnostic Equipment and Medical Equipment and Instruments; Bio-tech Products; Rehabilitation, Beauty Care and Anti-Aging Medical Products; Medical Services; Foreign Companies; and Cross-Strait Developments.

Some of Taiwan's leading health care providers were present at the show, displaying their latest products and services. The providers included National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Changhua Christian Hospital, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, China Medical University Hospital, Cheng Hsin Hospital and Tri-Service General Hospital.

A consortium of firms based in the Kaohsiung Medical Device Special Zone, led by the Metal Industries Research and Development Center (MIRDC), highlighted the show by displaying a range of cutting-edge medical equipment.

One of the companies, Kera Harvest Inc., demonstrated its laser solutions for treating eye and skin illnesses. The company began developing the Excimer Laser Refractive System in 1994 and subsequently began clinical trials in Spain with human subjects during 1997 and later in 1998 at the Linkou Chung-Gung Hospital in Taiwan. In 2000, the company received a CE certificate.

The show also attracted numerous buyers. One of them was Marton Istvan from Hungary-based Gysgy Reha Kft., which imported knee braces and ankle braces from Taiwan, as well as raw materials used to make these products, such as laminated foam.

Istvan said he has formed a “strong” business relationship with Taiwan, which began in 2002 when his company first imported goods from the island. “Taiwan has advantages,” he said. “Most of its goods are of high quality offered at competitive prices.”

Istvan first visited Taiwan three years ago, and this was his first time attending Mediphar Taipei.

“The show's huge,” he said. “I've already seen seven to eight exhibitors offering what I'm looking for. To me this is impressive.”

There were similar medical equipment shows back in Hungary, but none of them were as big as Mediphar Taipei, he said.

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