China's National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has defended the quality and efficacy of generic drugs following an investigation into concerns raised by local media. The investigation was prompted after doctors in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai suggested that generic drugs used in public hospitals were less effective than their branded counterparts. The NHSA worked closely with relevant experts and heads of seven hospitals to address these claims.
The regulator discovered that perceptions of reduced effectiveness in generic drugs stemmed from "subjective feelings." Evaluations were conducted to ensure that these drugs were consistent in quality and efficacy with original research drugs. The NHSA emphasized its strict supervision of generic drugs even after they receive approval, dismissing the concerns reported by local media as unsubstantiated.
China introduced a bulk-buy program in 2018 aimed at negotiating lower prices with drug manufacturers, and this initiative has since expanded across the country. This program plays a crucial role in the distribution of off-patent medicines through public hospitals. The NHSA's investigation reaffirmed the program's integrity, defending the generics' efficacy and quality.
Doctors quoted in media reports expressed doubts about the efficacy and side effects of generic drugs, especially when compared to those produced by Western pharmaceutical companies. Specific concerns included drugs such as anaesthetics and laxatives. The NHSA's thorough investigation involved consultations with heads of seven hospitals to verify these claims.
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