China has announced a significant update to its national medical insurance catalog, adding 91 new drugs and expanding coverage to benefit millions of patients across the country.
On Thursday, the National Healthcare Security Administration released the updated list, which includes medications for tumors, chronic conditions such as diabetes, rare diseases, as well as anti-infective and psychiatric drugs. This move aims to make essential treatments more accessible and affordable for the public.
The newly included drugs will see their prices drop by an average of 63 percent, thanks to negotiations between the government and pharmaceutical companies. This substantial price reduction is expected to lower patient costs by over 50 billion yuan (approximately $6.95 billion) by 2025, easing the financial burden on families dealing with medical expenses.
In addition to adding new medications, the updated catalog has removed 43 drugs that have either been clinically replaced or are no longer produced or supplied, ensuring the list remains current and effective for patient care.
This marks the seventh consecutive year that China’s medical insurance authority has adjusted the national drug list. With these updates, the total number of medications covered has increased to 3,159, significantly enhancing coverage for chronic diseases, rare diseases, and pediatric medications. The consistent expansion of the catalog reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for its population.
The new catalog is set to take effect nationwide on January 1, 2025, allowing time for healthcare providers and patients to familiarize themselves with the changes.
The expansion of the medical insurance catalog is expected to have a profound impact on the healthcare industry, offering new opportunities for pharmaceutical companies and investors, while also providing relief to patients in need of advanced treatments. It underscores China’s efforts to prioritize public health and support the well-being of its citizens.
Reference(s):
China renews national medical insurance catalog, adds 91 new drugs
cgtn.com
