China Broadens Basic Medical Insurance Product Range

China has made significant strides in enhancing its basic medical insurance system. A recent update saw 91 new drugs incorporated into the national medical insurance drug catalogue, swelling the total count to 3,159. This expansion is set to offer more treatment options and potentially reduce the financial burden on patients.

Simultaneously, the centralised procurement initiative has been effective, with the prices of 62 medicines slashed. This not only makes medications more affordable but also optimises the utilisation of medical insurance funds. Additionally, a large number of localities have broadened the scope of reimbursement to include assisted reproduction services, already benefiting over a million individuals.

Furthermore, the efforts to safeguard the medical insurance funds have been robust. From January to November 2024, a staggering ¥24.23 billion (US$3.4 b) was recovered by relevant departments. These combined measures showcase China’s commitment to continuously improve and fortify its medical insurance infrastructure, ensuring better healthcare access and affordability for its citizens.

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