HEALTHCARE DIPLOMACY: Under the bill, the US defense minister would explore the feasibility of a partnership with Taiwan on pandemic preparedness and medical security

Tai[ei Times
Date: Dec 05, 2020
By: 2Staff writer, with CNA, Washington

The US Congress on Thursday unveiled a defense bill that reaffirms the US’ commitment to Taiwan and includes provisions to explore a medical partnership between the nations.

Under the provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, agreed upon by the US Senate’s and House of Representatives’ armed services committees, the US secretary of defense should work with the US secretary of health and human services to establish a medical security partnership with Taiwan.

In 180 days after the bill becomes law, the defense secretary must submit a report to the committees on the feasibility of such a partnership.

The report should account for “the goals and objectives of developing a medical security partnership on issues related to pandemic preparedness and control” and “a discussion of current and future plans to cooperate on medical security activities.”    [FULL  STORY]