China has taken a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility by adding 13 rare-disease drugs to its national medical insurance catalog. This expansion brings the total number of rare-disease medications covered by insurance to over 90, offering hope to patients suffering from conditions that have historically been neglected due to their low prevalence.
The latest additions to the catalog were jointly released by the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) and relevant authorities. The newly included drugs address rare diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, intractable epilepsy, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, conditions that often require expensive treatments unaffordable for many patients.
Rare diseases, characterized by ultra-low incidence and affecting a limited number of patients, have long posed challenges due to high research and development costs and limited commercial incentives. Recognizing these challenges, China has accelerated efforts to build a comprehensive pathway for the prevention and treatment of such diseases. The inclusion of these drugs into the national insurance scheme is a testament to the inter-agency collaboration aimed at making essential medications more accessible and affordable.
Since its establishment, the NHSA has adjusted the national medical insurance catalog for seven consecutive years, steadily expanding coverage to encompass a wider range of rare diseases. Recent additions have included treatments for spinal muscular atrophy, Gaucher disease, and myasthenia gravis, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of patients with rare conditions.
“It is an expectation shared by both doctors and patients to see more high-quality and life-saving medicines added to the country’s medical insurance,” said Zhang Shuyang, president of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The move has been widely welcomed by the medical community and patients alike, who view it as a critical step toward equitable healthcare.
Beyond expanding drug coverage, China has also advanced its national collaboration network for rare-disease diagnosis and treatment. As of October 2024, more than 400 medical institutions have joined the network, which features medical referral and telemedicine mechanisms. This network covers all provincial-level regions across the country, enhancing the ability to provide timely and accurate diagnoses and treatments for patients regardless of their location.
The combined efforts in policy adjustment and network expansion signify China’s dedication to improving the quality of life for patients with rare diseases. By reducing financial burdens and improving access to essential healthcare services, the country is making strides toward a more inclusive and supportive health system.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
