BNT price difference sparks controversy! Professor Weng Da-rui exposes KMT's blind spot: Why did Shanghai Fosun exclusively favor Hon Hai?

Professor Weng Da-rui, a Taiwanese academic based in the United States, has challenged the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party's narrative regarding the procurement prices of the BNT vaccine. The KMT had circulated a graphic alleging price disparities, suggesting the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) paid $43 per dose, which was higher than the $41 paid by the Tzu Chi Foundation and $30 by Hon Hai (Foxconn).

Weng Da-rui, whose real name is Chen Shih-fen, argued that the KMT's claims contain a critical blind spot. He specifically questioned the rationale behind Shanghai Fosun's exclusive dealings with Hon Hai for the BNT vaccine. Fosun Pharma holds the distribution rights for the BNT vaccine in the Greater China region, including Taiwan.

The professor highlighted that the KMT's graphic implies a preferential treatment towards Hon Hai, while overlooking the complexities and contractual obligations involved in vaccine procurement. He suggested that the KMT's focus on price differences might be a politically motivated attempt to criticize the ruling party's handling of the pandemic response, rather than a comprehensive analysis of the procurement process.