China’s Health Care Reform Draft Sparks Strong Industry Response
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
China's latest healthcare reform draft released Oct. 14 has elicited intense response, attracting some 2,000 postings online. After calling for an emergency meeting in Beijing, principals of the nation's more than 30 pharmaceutical industry associations jointly signed an opinion draft that will be submitted to the State Council. The document focuses on the industry's concerns such as how to improve the national basic medicine and drug-pricing system, whether it is feasible to revamp the current drug bidding structure, and how to encourage pharmaceutical companies to innovate. An expert suggests that rather than restricting basic medicine manufacturing to certain parties as stated in the reform, the government may instead request medical providers to invite tenders to ensure production and supply. (Click here for more - Chinese Language)