The "2009 National Biotechnology and Medical Quality Award" ceremony, awarded by the National Biotechnology and Medical Industry Promotion Association and symbolizing the highest quality honor, was held today. The most prestigious "Gold Award" was awarded to three organizations this year: Tri-Service General Hospital's next-generation cervical cancer screening: methylated DNA biomarker; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Taoyuan Craniofacial Center's "Starting with Love, Crossing Borders – Taoyuan Chang Gung Craniofacial Center"; and Pfizer's "Lyrica."

The fiercely competitive Silver Award went to: Shengbao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. for "Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Storage Service"; Huaxin Medical Materials Co., Ltd. for "Diamond-Shaped Surgical Masks"; Horien Biochemical Technology Co., Ltd. for " Horien Dental Fillers"; Zhongtian Biotechnology Co., Ltd. for "Tianzhongbao Health Liquid"; Uni-President Enterprises Corporation for "Metamin Health 3D Tablets"; Novartis Taiwan for "Luxura"; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung for "Patient-Centered Stroke Care"; China Medical University Hospital for "Comprehensive, Holistic Stroke Care Team: Professionalism, Innovation, and Efficiency"; and Chung Shan Medical University Hospital for "Invisible Drug Abuse Testing Network."

In the bronze medal category, the following products were awarded: "International Standardized Specific Pathogen-Free Experimental Mice" by Lesco Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; "Phospholyte No. 1" by Lianfa Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; "White Bone Protect R" by White Biotech New Drug Co., Ltd.; "Aurora Thermoregulation System" by Jifu Trading Co., Ltd.; "K-Sensitive R (Air-Water Type) Electric Nasal Spray Nasal Wash/Inhalation Multifunctional Complex" by Weisheng Technology Co., Ltd.; "Tonghemai Blueberry Microbubble Beverage" by Tonghemai Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; "Xinzhiyouda Red Yeast Rice Capsules" by Fengxing Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; "Ganxikang" by Taizong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; "Yisineng Patch" by Novartis Taiwan Co., Ltd.; and "Panaton" by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Taiwan Co., Ltd. The following projects have won awards: "Strong Pills"; "Patient-Centered Holistic Trauma Care" by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Linkou); "Local Care, Deeply Rooted Community-Based Holistic Home Care" by Chi Mei Hospital Home Care Center; "Caring for Your Little One - Holistic Family-Oriented Acute Child Care Services" by the Nursing Department of Chiayi Christian Hospital; "A New Milestone in Taiwan's Laboratory Medicine - Central Laboratory of Taichung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan" by the Central Laboratory of Taichung Hospital, Executive Yuan; "High-Quality Finger Replantation Team" by the Department of Plastic Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital; and "A Pillar of Emergency Medical Disaster Response - Emergency Department of Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital."

The judging panel this year noted that medical institutions comprised a significant proportion of the winning entries, demonstrating not only world-renowned advanced medical technology but also a strong emphasis on home-based and comprehensive care. The research and development in biotechnology, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals has yielded remarkable results. These unique and innovative technologies and services are of great significance in improving the health of the Taiwanese people. This year's award-winning nutritional supplements also follow current trends, targeting individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Examples include Uni-President Enterprises' Metamin Health 3D Tablets and Feng Hsing Biotechnology's Heart Friend Red Yeast Rice Capsules. Both demonstrate a rigorous commitment to quality improvement, akin to the spirit of new drug development, leaving a lasting impression.

Industry representatives stated that the annual National Biotechnology and Medical Quality Award, organized by the Biotechnology Industry Development Foundation, and the SNQ National Quality Mark, allow for product refinement based on the judges' suggestions. Consumers can also purchase the best products through newspaper, magazine, and television advertising. This is a win-win situation for manufacturers, consumers, and the government. Good products need good promotion and rewards; winning the National Biotechnology and Medical Quality Award is a supreme honor for manufacturers.

[Chang Ya-Fang / Taipei Report]