Posted by Michael Wonder on 15 Jul 2019
China to soften generic drug buying program
15 July 2019 - Chinese drug makers jumped on Monday after a local news report that a centralised drug procurement plan that is hurting drugmakers’ profit will be expanded nationwide -- but on milder terms than expected.
The bulk buying program for generic drugs, which had its pilot in 11 cities last December, will be rolled out across the country with gentler rules, according to a report from the 21st Business Herald. Instead of one winner for each tender, authorities will pick three -- the lowest bidder and two others willing to match its price, said the report.
This means that three drug makers will share each drug contract, for the supply of 70% of that medicine to public hospitals, instead of the previous winner-takes-all approach.
