China has announced a significant expansion of its national medical insurance catalog, adding 91 new drugs and providing greater access to essential medications for millions of people. The National Healthcare Security Administration revealed on Thursday that the newly included drugs will see their prices reduced by an average of 63%, potentially cutting patient costs by over 50 billion yuan (approximately $6.95 billion) in 2025.
The updated list now includes medications for treating tumors, chronic conditions like diabetes, rare diseases, as well as anti-infective and psychiatric drugs. In addition to the new additions, 43 drugs that have been clinically replaced or are no longer produced or supplied have been removed from the catalog.
This marks the seventh consecutive year that China’s medical insurance authority has adjusted the list, bringing the total number of medications covered to 3,159. The expansion significantly enhances coverage for chronic diseases, rare diseases, and pediatric medications, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on patients and improve healthcare accessibility.
The new catalog is set to take effect nationwide on January 1, 2025, signaling a continued commitment to healthcare reform and improved medical services across the country.
Reference(s):
China renews national medical insurance catalog, adds 91 new drugs
cgtn.com
