Heated Debate Between China’s Ministries On Health Care Reform
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
China's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security recently had a heated debate on the national basic medicine system at a seminar. MHRSS stressed its viewpoint that medical insurance organizations which cover the cost of drugs should wield 'group purchase' power to negotiate reasonable rates with drug suppliers, as well as work within the constraints of medical insurance payment structure to spur basic medicine usage by medical institutions. However, MOH strongly reiterated its stance that the government should identify basic medicine production locations for direct distribution, and mandate usage by medical institutions. Participants at the event observed that the two ministries are essentially fighting over the domination right of basic medicine. (Click here for more - Chinese Language)