Top health official in China calls for lower drug prices

Despite some reform, official says the cost of pharmaceutical drugs are still too high

Michelle Maskaly

Oct 27th, 2015

A top hospital official in China is calling for more reform when it comes to pharmaceutical drug prices.

According to ChinaDaily.com, Feng Guosheng, chief of Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals, wants to further reduce the cost of drugs sold in hospitals.

"But more reforms in the circulation of drugs, such as reforms in the bidding and purchase process of drugs, are needed to cut the link between doctors and representatives of pharmaceutical companies to further bring down the prices of drugs sold in hospitals," Feng said, according to the website.

One of the current reforms being imposed already is a ban on hospitals from selling drugs for up to 15 percent more than the price they pay.

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