The Chinese government has cut the retail prices of 67 drugs
used for the treatment of cancer by a range of anywhere from 23
percent to 57 percent in a response to public complaint over
soaring prices for drugs and medical services.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a
statement Thursday that the move is aimed at reducing the financial
burden of medical services on the public.
The NDRC said it has begun by reducing cancer drugs as these are
usually very expensive.
Of the 67 drugs, 23 used to have their prices determined by the
market. They were included on the list of drugs whose prices are
fixed by the government last year.
Preparations for the move was started in late 2005. The NDRC
said it had conducted a thorough investigation of the market and
extensive consultations with industry sources and local
authorities.
Further adjustments of drug prices can be expected, the NDRC
statement said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2006)
