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What measures has the NHSA taken in recent years to ensure that medical insurance system covers more lifesaving and emergency medicines that are newly developed and with good effect? What are the policy considerations and arrangements for the next step? Thank you.

Li Tao:

Thank you for your questions. The management of the national medical insurance drug catalog is of wide concern to society. Since its establishment, the NHSA has maintained its role of ensuring the basic needs, continuously optimized the catalog, and significantly improved drug security for the masses. It is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

First, the catalog is updated annually, ensuring new drugs benefit patients more quickly. Over 80% of new medicines are covered by medical insurance system within two years of launch. For example, among the 108 new medicines added through negotiations and bids in the 2022 catalog, 105 were new medicines launched within five years, and a significant portion of these drugs were approved and included in the catalog within the same year.

Second, the number of medicines in the catalog has significantly increased, and the scope of insurance is constantly expanding. Over the last five years, 618 medicines have been added to the catalog, covering clinical treatment fields such as COVID-19 infection, tumors, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, rare diseases, and pediatrics. A large number of drugs based on new therapeutic mechanisms and new targeted drugs have been included in the catalog. Among the top 20 categories in terms of medical institution expenses, there are now very few auxiliary drugs with uncertain efficacy and potential for abuse, as they have been replaced by therapeutic drugs for major diseases and chronic conditions. The current version of the national medical insurance drug catalog has a total of 2,967 types covering all fields of clinical treatment. The clinical medication needs of insured patients are now better addressed.

Third, great emphasis has been placed on the implementation and provision of drugs in the catalog, leading to a significant improvement in drug accessibility. We have collaborated with the National Health Commission to introduce a series of policies, including the "dual channel" (designated medical institutions and retail drug stores) for accessing medicines included in the catalog through negotiations, to support the implementation of the catalog. By the end of December 2022, 209,000 designated hospitals and pharmacies nationwide were equipped with the negotiated drugs included in the catalog.

Fourth, the national innovation-driven development strategy has been implemented, and medical technology innovation has been supported. Over the past five years, out of the 70 newly developed drugs under major programs that engaged in negotiations, 66 were successful, achieving a success rate of 94%. This has enabled the swift clinical application of these innovative drugs. Enterprises' initial investments in research and development have been duly rewarded, fostering a significant boost in innovation enthusiasm.

The adjustments made to the national medical insurance drug catalog in the past five years have greatly benefitted insured individuals. Patients now have access to innovative drugs that offer superior therapeutic effects at more affordable prices. This positive trend reinforces a robust trajectory of research and development for our country's medical sector. Moving forward, we are committed to continuing our efforts to optimize and refine the management of the medical insurance drug catalog. This will include adding more qualified medications to the catalog and further meeting the medication needs of insured residents. Thank you!