China has taken a significant step towards enhancing its healthcare system by releasing an updated national medical insurance drug list on Thursday. The latest update introduces 91 new medications, aiming to make essential drugs more accessible and affordable for patients across the country.
According to the National Healthcare Security Administration, the inclusion of these new drugs will lead to an average price reduction of 63%, translating to an estimated savings of over 50 billion yuan (approximately $6.95 billion) for patients by 2025. This move is expected to alleviate the financial burden on individuals managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, tumors, rare diseases, and psychiatric disorders.
The updated catalog not only adds new medications but also removes 43 drugs that have either been clinically replaced or are no longer produced or supplied. This ensures that the national medical insurance remains up-to-date with the latest advancements in medical treatments and maintains high standards of care.
Marking the seventh consecutive year of adjustments, the total number of medications covered under China's national medical insurance has now reached 3,159. This expansion significantly enhances coverage for chronic diseases, rare conditions, and pediatric medications, reflecting the country's ongoing commitment to improving public health.
The newly revised drug list will be implemented nationwide starting January 1, 2025, promising better access to essential medicines and a more robust healthcare safety net for millions of Chinese citizens.
Reference(s):
China renews national medical insurance catalog, adds 91 new drugs
cgtn.com
