The medical apparatus industry is a special industry with highly diversified products and a wide scope of application; therefore, there has not yet been a uniform definition of this industry. In accordance with Article 13 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, medical apparatus is defined as devices, mechanisms, tools and their accessories as well as additions and parts used for diagnosis, treatment, relief or direct prevention of human diseases which may affect the human body or organic functions.  Medical apparatus can be further categorized into diagnostic and monitoring categories, surgical and treatment categories, and auxiliary/modifying medical apparatus, external diagnostic devices and other medical apparatus not included in the above categories. This industry is highly unique in the sense that:

1. It has extremely diversified products

2. It has strong demand for technical integration.

3. Requirements for research and development funding as well as profits are uncertain.

4. The product approval procedure is highly complicated.