New Regulations for Human Medicines for Pets Fall Behind Schedule, Ministry of Agriculture: Postponement Not Ruled Out Without Consensus

Due to a shortage of medicines for pets, a new system for using human medicines for dogs, cats, and non-economic animals was originally scheduled to be implemented in July this year. This new system aims to legalize the management of pet medicines and prevent the misuse of human medicines. Recently, this new system has sparked discussion because 701 human medicines listed positively must first be registered by pharmaceutical companies before they can be used for animals. However, the registration process is currently behind schedule, causing concern among veterinarians, pet owners, and animal protection groups about a potential disruption in pet medical care. An alternative method is for veterinarians to obtain a prescription, find a pharmacy to dispense the medicine, and then administer it, but this does not account for night-time and emergency needs. Multiple related groups, including veterinarians, animal rights activists, pharmacists, and pet owners, gathered in front of the Council of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine building this afternoon to express their concerns about the outcome of the discussions and put forward three major demands: "postpone the implementation of the new system," "switch to a negative list approach," and "demand public participation." The Council of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine held a meeting this afternoon to solicit opinions from all sectors. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Du Wen-chen explained to the media before the meeting that one of the key points of the meeting was that some progress was not as expected, for example, the registration progress was indeed behind schedule. Of the original list of 701 medicines, only 144 have been registered so far. Du Wen-chen said that the Ministry of Agriculture's position is very clear: "to safeguard animal medical rights and the right to life." She emphasized that it must be ensured that veterinarians can obtain sufficient and secure sources for clinical medication. The focus of today's meeting was to listen to opinions from all parties. If there is a consensus to implement it as scheduled, that would be best; if a consensus cannot be reached, in order not to affect animals' right to medication, the possibility of postponing the implementation is not ruled out. Regarding the slow progress of drug registration, Du Wen-chen explained that although the procedures have been simplified and manpower has been invested over the past two years, progress is still not as expected. Currently, the Council of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine and the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration are actively discussing the possibility of administrative agencies proactively providing assistance, rather than passively waiting for pharmaceutical companies to apply, to accelerate the announcement and registration process of medicines. Regarding external concerns that if the new system is postponed, it will create a "black hole" in drug use or pharmaceutical companies will stop supplying human medicines to veterinarians in advance. Du Wen-chen responded that although the regulations have been announced, they have not yet been officially implemented. If it becomes difficult for veterinarians to use medicines after July 1, the new system must be adjusted. As a veterinarian, Du Wen-chen reiterated her deep understanding of the importance of medication rights, stating that "animal life rights cannot be discounted." Regardless of whether it is implemented as scheduled or not, the premise is to ensure that animal hospitals can obtain medicines smoothly as they do now. (Editor: Chen Qing-fang) 1150410