Introduction
In a bid to make life-saving cancer drugs more affordable and accessible, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced plans to reduce import tariffs on cancer drugs to zero. While this is a significant step forward, experts argue that more is needed to address the complex challenges of making these essential medications affordable, accessible, and of high quality. This article explores the additional measures required to bridge the gap between urgent medical needs and the availability of effective treatments.
Background
During a press conference at the Two Sessions in March 2018, Premier Li Keqiang stated that China would strive to reduce import tariffs on cancer drugs to zero. This move aims to make critical medications more affordable for patients in need. However, the high cost of cancer drugs, such as the leukemia drug Gleevec priced at around 25,000 yuan per box and the colorectal cancer drug Avastin at about 4,700 yuan per vial, suggests that zero tariffs alone may not suffice to solve the problem.
Beyond Zero Tariffs
National Procurement Platform
One of the key recommendations is the establishment of a national procurement platform that would leverage China’s large market and demand to negotiate prices directly with manufacturers. This approach would create a scale advantage, allowing the government to secure large volumes of drugs at more favorable prices. The platform would also ensure quality standards, reducing the risk of counterfeit drugs, as seen in the recent targeted drug counterfeiting and trafficking case.
抗癌药物评价数据 System
Another crucial step is the development of a Cancer Drug Evaluation Data System that utilizes Internet+ technology, combining computational science, digital technology, and clinical diagnosis to enhance the evaluation capabilities of China’s health insurance system. This system would optimize the overall efficacy and cost of cancer treatment, establishing a list of urgently needed drugs and providing scientific data support for price negotiations.
Streamlining Drug Approval Process
Accelerating the drug approval process is also vital. The 2018 Two Sessions approved a reform plan that included the establishment of a separate drug regulatory function under the State Administration for Market Regulation. This is expected to facilitate the implementation of the Central Office and the General Office’s guidelines on deepening the reform of drug approval and encouraging the innovation of medical devices, thereby boosting the development of the pharmaceutical industry.
Recognizing the Role of Clinical Healthcare Teams
The importance of clinical healthcare teams in optimizing the overall effectiveness of treatment cannot be overstated. The quality of medical services provided by these teams is crucial in the treatment of complex and critical diseases like cancer. Recognizing and valuing the role of clinical doctors and nurses can lead to more efficient and cost-effective use of expensive drugs.
Conclusion
While reducing import tariffs to zero is a positive step, it is clear that a multifaceted approach is needed to address the challenges of making cancer drugs affordable, accessible, and of high quality. Establishing a national procurement platform, developing a comprehensive drug evaluation system, streamlining the drug approval process, and recognizing the role of clinical healthcare teams are all essential components of a strategy to ensure that patients in need can access life-saving medications.
By taking these additional measures, China can move closer to fulfilling Premier Li’s promise of making urgent and essential cancer drugs not only affordable and accessible but also effective and reliable. The reforms outlined in the article, combined with the government’s commitment to health as a priority, signal a positive direction for the future of cancer treatment in China.
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