China has made strong efforts to enhance the regulation of the online sales of drugs and medical equipment, ensuring a balance between the convenience offered by online shopping and the safety of these products for online sales, said an official of China's drug regulator on Wednesday.

The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on strengthening drug regulation to ensure drug safety for the public in Beijing on July 5, 2023. [Photo by Zhao Yifan/China SCIO]

Huang Guo, vice commissioner of the National Medical Products Administration, said the online sales of drugs, medical equipment, and cosmetics has been experiencing rapid development in recent years. According to statistics, the country's sales of drugs and medical equipment through online platforms reached 292.4 billion yuan (US$40.41 billion) in 2022, and the number is expected to exceed 350 billion yuan this year.

The NMPA has been taking strong measures to ensure that online sales of these medical products not only offer convenience to the public but also guarantee safety, Huang said.

In response to problems arising from this expanding market, China has established a comprehensive regulatory system covering the online sales of drugs, medical equipment, and cosmetics. This system clearly defines the responsibilities of regulatory departments, enterprises, and third-party platforms, and it aims to strengthen quality control throughout the entire process, including tighter supervision, problem identification, and risk control, Huang said.

Moreover, the administration has implemented an extensive online supervision system to promptly identify and mitigate any risks associated with the online sales of medical products. The administration has also conducted campaigns to improve the online environment and taken swift action against illegal activities related to the sales of medical products, he added.

Huang emphasized that the administration will continue to collaborate with relevant departments, industry associations, media organizations, and consumers to strengthen oversight in a synergetic manner. He also called on major online platforms such as Alibaba, JD.com, and Meituan to fulfill their responsibilities, utilize their technological and managerial expertise, and actively cooperate with regulators in product recalls, risk mitigation, and supervision.