Essential Drug List To Be Released In Two Phases
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
According to authoritative sources, China will adopt a two-step approach for its national essential drug list release: a mini-list comprising 178 western medicines and 78 patent TCMs will be issued soon, while an enriched list is expected to come out after Aug. 16. China's Ministry of Health, National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security have jointly discussed and confirmed the first batch of documents for healthcare reform, including the essential drug list, essential drug pricing, as well as tender and purchase specifics. Relevant administrations have selected Class I medical care institutions to pilot the mini-list. Another list may leave 5 percent of total medicines to local governments for selection and adjustment; however, the issue of dealing with specific drugs is still outstanding. (Click here for more - Chinese Language)