China’s Essential Drug List Expected In June
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
At a recent national pharmacist conference in Beijing, high-level executives and experts from China's government organizations such as the Ministry of Health, State FDA and National People's Congress Finance and Economy Committee gathered to discuss the healthcare reform. The spotlight was on the long-awaited essential drug list (PharmAsia News, May 2007, 2009), which authorities indicated would likely be out by the end of June. A large reduction in the number of TCM entries was confirmed. Also, healthcare institutions will need to prescribe essential drugs by percentage of revenue rather than by drug types. Relevant supplementary documents will be issued progressively for the list, including implementation opinions and administration regulations. Analysts believe that in the short term, the essential drug market will be concentrated at grassroots-level and rural medical organizations. (Click here for more - Chinese Language)