Optimize centralized procurement rules for different types of drugs according to their characteristics, the "Opinions" clarify the direction of reform.

Deputy Director Shi Zihai of the National Medical Insurance Administration introduced that since 2018, the medical insurance department has been promoting the centralized volume-based procurement of drugs in a standardized, institutionalized, and normalized manner. At the national level, 11 batches of drugs have been procured in bulk, covering 490 types of drugs. Many regions have also carried out provincial or inter-provincial alliance centralized volume-based drug procurement. Overall, centralized volume-based drug procurement is a market-oriented means to promote fair competition in the pharmaceutical field, allowing the people to access better value for money drugs and ensuring the safety and availability of drug supply. Next, in accordance with the reform directions outlined in the "Opinions," we will work with relevant departments to adhere to the principles of "stabilizing clinical use, ensuring quality, preventing internal competition, and combating fraudulent behavior." We will focus on improving the pricing mechanism for drug centralized procurement in the following areas. Firstly, optimize the procurement rules based on the characteristics of different types of drugs. Tailor the procurement rules to the different characteristics of chemical drugs, biological drugs, traditional Chinese medicine, and Chinese medicinal herbs to better match centralized volume procurement with clinical needs at different levels and enhance various aspects of medication needs for the people. Secondly, strengthen the implementation of the results of centralized procurement. Strengthen the coordination between medical institutions, medical insurance, and pharmaceuticals to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of the results. Guide medical institutions to prioritize the use of selected products, while also allowing the use of non-selected products, including original drugs, to better meet the diverse medication needs of patients. Hold selected enterprises accountable for product quality and supply guarantees, maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards quality and supply issues, and take strict measures against enterprises that fail to meet clinical demands to ensure stable and reliable drug supply. Thirdly, enhance guidance on local centralized procurement work. The National Medical Insurance Administration encourages provinces to adopt a "one province leads, nationwide participation" model for inter-provincial alliances to coordinate procurement rules and improve the standardization of centralized volume-based procurement. Provide guidance on the renewal of procurement agreements in local areas upon expiration to ensure stable clinical medication, market expectations, and pricing levels.