Raw Materials Hit by War, Shih Chung-liang: Medical Plastic Particle Supply Unaffected
Amidst concerns over the impact of the US-Iran conflict on raw material supplies, Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang stated that despite potential upstream tightness, domestic medical-grade plastic particle supply will remain secure due to government coordination.
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- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 15:40
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 16:00 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 12:38 (284h 38m after Collected)
The US and Israel have been attacking Iran for 39 days. US President Trump pressured Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a deadline, threatening to destroy entire civilization. However, before the ultimatum expired, a two-week ceasefire was announced, and negotiations are scheduled to begin on the 10th in Pakistan.
Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang attended the 'Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Smart Mobile Medical Service Launch Ceremony' today. Speaking to the media before the event, he shared his views on the impact of the reported ceasefire in the US-Iran war on the subsequent domestic supply of raw materials for medical devices.
He said that since March, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has been closely monitoring the impact of the Middle East conflict on potential raw material supplies. Petrochemical raw materials most relevant to the medical field are plastic particles, which are needed downstream to manufacture packaging materials such as drip bags, plastic bags, and medical devices like catheters. Initially, there were concerns about the impact, so the Ministry has been paying close attention and inventorying relevant manufacturers.
Shih Chung-liang stated that preliminary assessments indicate potential tightness in upstream supply. However, through the Executive Yuan platform and in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, priority supply for medical manufacturing has been coordinated. Currently, domestic plastic particle supply is 22,000 tons per month for related industries. Besides prioritizing medical needs, an additional 5,500 tons will be supplied. Given the Ministry's assessment of medical demand at about 1,000-plus tons per month, the supply should be ample.
Regarding rising costs for businesses, Shih Chung-liang emphasized that the National Health Insurance has been asked to activate a price review mechanism, and if necessary, a special budget will be allocated to cover the required expenses. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150408
Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang attended the 'Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Smart Mobile Medical Service Launch Ceremony' today. Speaking to the media before the event, he shared his views on the impact of the reported ceasefire in the US-Iran war on the subsequent domestic supply of raw materials for medical devices.
He said that since March, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has been closely monitoring the impact of the Middle East conflict on potential raw material supplies. Petrochemical raw materials most relevant to the medical field are plastic particles, which are needed downstream to manufacture packaging materials such as drip bags, plastic bags, and medical devices like catheters. Initially, there were concerns about the impact, so the Ministry has been paying close attention and inventorying relevant manufacturers.
Shih Chung-liang stated that preliminary assessments indicate potential tightness in upstream supply. However, through the Executive Yuan platform and in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, priority supply for medical manufacturing has been coordinated. Currently, domestic plastic particle supply is 22,000 tons per month for related industries. Besides prioritizing medical needs, an additional 5,500 tons will be supplied. Given the Ministry's assessment of medical demand at about 1,000-plus tons per month, the supply should be ample.
Regarding rising costs for businesses, Shih Chung-liang emphasized that the National Health Insurance has been asked to activate a price review mechanism, and if necessary, a special budget will be allocated to cover the required expenses. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150408