China’s National Healthcare Security Administration has unveiled new medical service pricing guidelines that are set to make high-end medical technologies more accessible to the public. The update introduces over 100 new treatment procedures, aiming to reduce costs and expand healthcare access.
One of the most significant changes is the 30% price cut for artificial heart implantation surgery. The procedure’s cost has dropped from about 1 million yuan (approximately $140,000) to 700,000 yuan. This reduction was achieved through standardized pricing policies and stronger collaboration with domestic medical device manufacturers to lower distribution markups.
The revised guidelines also encompass advanced treatments like proton radiation therapy, cochlear implants, artificial larynx devices, and brain-computer interface technologies. Earlier this year, China’s national procurement program for cochlear implants reduced prices by a staggering 80% through bulk purchasing, bringing the cost down from over 200,000 yuan to just 50,000 yuan per unit.
These reforms are part of a broader initiative to make life-saving medical technologies more affordable and widely available across China, especially within the public healthcare system. By cutting costs and standardizing prices, China aims to improve healthcare access for millions of people, ensuring that cutting-edge treatments are within reach for those who need them most.
