NICE Partnership advances Taiwan’s healthcare system as National Health Insurance Administration Director-General Chen Lian-Yu signed a new two-year agreement in Taipei. British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Advice Director Brad Groves signed simultaneously in the UK. Moreover, Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang witnessed the important ceremony.
Transitioning from the original 2023 deal, this updated agreement focuses on three core areas of cooperation. Furthermore, officials aim to improve evaluation of high-cost innovative therapies such as gene and cell treatments. In addition, both sides will exchange expertise on digital transformation in cancer care and data interoperability standards.
NICE Partnership also emphasizes talent development through training programs and expert exchanges. Consequently, the collaboration helps integrate health technology assessment more effectively into reimbursement decisions. Moreover, it supports better policymaking by combining healthcare with long-term care and social care resources.
Chen Lian-Yu highlighted the strategic value of working with one of the world’s top health technology assessment organizations. Furthermore, he noted that the partnership enhances Taiwan’s ability to manage emerging medical technologies sustainably. Officials report that previous cooperation already delivered concrete results, including a provisional payment system inspired by the UK’s Cancer Drugs Fund.
However, the new phase expands efforts into real-world evaluation systems and streamlined authorization processes. Additionally, both parties will share best practices on fast healthcare interoperability resources to improve data exchange efficiency.
NICE Partnership therefore positions Taiwan to deliver faster patient access to innovative treatments while maintaining financial sustainability of its national insurance program. Experts expect continued benefits in digital governance and evidence-based policymaking over the coming years. Overall, this international alliance strengthens Taiwan’s healthcare resilience in a rapidly evolving global medical landscape.
