China to solicit opinions on improving centralized drug procurement

BEIJING -- China's health authorities will gather opinions and suggestions on the country's centralized drug procurement program, following concerns about potential quality risks associated with certain procured drugs, the National Healthcare Security Administration said on Monday.

The concerns were raised by Shanghai's political advisors and medical experts, according to the NHSA.

The NHSA, in collaboration with other related departments, will on Tuesday send experts to Shanghai, where they will hear suggestions from the political advisors and medical experts on improving bulk procurement policies and ensuring the quality and efficacy of drugs selected under the program.

They will also hear feedback from frontline clinical professionals on the use and effectiveness of selected drugs, the NHSA said, adding that the opinions and suggestions will then be submitted to drug quality supervision authorities.

China has been working to enhance drug affordability through multiple methods, including bulk procurement and price negotiation programs.

To date, 10 rounds of centralized drug procurement and five rounds for high-priced medical consumables have been carried out, resulting in significant cost reductions.