Taiwan aims to start producing its own blood bags ¡ª a key item for saving lives on the battlefield ¡ª adding to signs President Lai Ching-te is stepping up preparations for a potential conflict with China.
The health ministry has been working closely with other government agencies, including the National Security Council, to enhance Taiwan¡¯s medical preparedness for emergencies, Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi said. Strengthening domestic production capacity for key medical supplies, including blood bags, is a part of the strategy, she said, as was ensuring that imports of medical supplies were secure.
¡°The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have underscored the risks of relying solely on foreign sources for essential medicines and medical equipment,¡± Lin said. Ukraine¡¯s health care resources have been strained during its fighting with Russia, leading to shortages of oxygen, medications and more.
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