Insights from Japan’s cost-effectiveness analysis policy on pricing for China’s NRDL access / 中国药房

The cost-effectiveness analysis policy for drugs was institutionalized in Japan since 2019， realizing quantitative adjustment of price across varieties. A hierarchical categorization approach was adopted to select medicines with high expected annual sales. For selected medicines， adjustments were made to the premium and profit components within the existing price structure based on a pre-defined incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） threshold， effectively resolving the issue of inconsistent criteria and magnitudes caused by subjective judgment. Meanwhile， incentive measures like evaluation exemption or threshold enhancement were granted for specific medicines. Besides， a price adjustment mechanism， which was allowed for upward and downward adjustments， involving tiered ICER threshold and quantified formulas， had been established for the premium and profit components of drug price. In China’s National Reimbursement Drug List （NRDL） access， certain issues remained to be addressed： insufficient clarity in the quantitative mechanism of price formation， incomplete price adjustment measures， and lagging in the communication channels. It is recommended that the following measures could be referred to when further improving the scientificity and fairness of drug pricing during China’s NRDL access， such as enhancing the ICER threshold for medicines catering to special populations， quantifying criteria and extents for price adjustment， granting preferential pricing policies to pharmaceutical companies that present high-quality evidence of effectiveness， preceding communication channels with pharmaceutical companies， as well as exploring a price floor mechanism for the drugs with excessive price reduction.

Review of Price Management Policy,Scheme Comparison on Special Demand Medical Service in Public Hospitals and Its Enlightenment / 中国卫生经济

The special demand medical services meet the diversified and personalized medical demands of the masses,and are the feedbacks of basic medical service.On the basis of searching and reviewing the policy documents on the price management of special demand medical service in public hospitals at the national level,it sorts out the key points and shortcomings of the current policy texts,and uses the thematic framework method and comparative analysis method to cover the application conditions for carrying out special demand,the scale control of special demand services the charging standard of special demand service,and the dimensions of the price supervision of special demands services.The specific provisions vary from provinces.Strengthening the management of the price of special medical services in public hospitals,in terms of system design,promoting the beneficial experience of typical provinces,and improving the project management program of the price of special medical services;in terms of implementation,the provision of special services in accordance with the published price items and the control of the size of the service,and the independent pricing and filing of the record.

Feasibility Analysis of Multi-indication Drug Insurance Access and Pricing Strategy in China / 中国卫生经济

Objective:On the basis of summarizing the previous studies on the access and pricing strategies of multi-indication drugs,based on the actual situation in China,it develops the access and pricing strategies of multi-indication drugs applicable to the adjustment mechanism of China's health insurance catalog and carry out feasibility analysis,with a view to providing methodological support for the national health insurance department in the adjustment of the health insurance catalog in the future.Methods:First,through literature review and expert survey,it sorts out the medical insurance access and pricing strategies for multi-indication drugs that may be applicable in China.Secondly,a feasibility evaluation framework for National Drug Insurance List(NRDL)access and pricing strategies for multi-indication drugs is constructed through literature review,and various stakeholders in the NRDL process are invited to conduct feasibility scores based on the questionnaire.In addition,9 pathways are identified through expert research,and various stakeholders in NRDL process are invited to conduct path analysis based on questionnaires.Finally,relevant recommendations are formed based on the research results.Results:According to the results of the feasibility evaluation the direct access is less feasi-ble,while negotiated access and simplified negotiated access are comparable;pricing by weighted average was less feasible,pricing by primary indication and pricing by minimum value are comparable.The results of the pathway analysis show that differences in health insurance access and pricing strategies for selecting drugs with multiple indications under different pathways.Conclusion:It is needed to refine the medical insurance access and price calculation methods for drugs with multiple indications;improve the database construction to support refined calculation of medical insurance;and actively explore the innovative payment methods for medical insurance with multiple indications.

Analysis on the Pricing and Reimbursement Strategy of Orphan Drugs in Typical European Countries and Its Enlighten-ment to China / 中国卫生经济

The pricing and reimbursement of orphan drugs are related to the accessibility of patients,and are of great significance to the prevention and guarantee of rare diseases.European countries have formed special standards and paths for health technology evaluation,and established special payment funds and diversified risk-sharing agreements,which have effectively improved the accessibility of orphan drugs.Based on this,it selected typical European countries to compare the orphan drug pricing and reimbursement methods.Then,it put forward some suggestions"building orphan drug health technology evaluation accelerated program,exploring the health of orphan drug classification security mechanism,and attaining supply incentives and development incentives through orphan drug pricing and adjustment",to optimize the basis for the orphan drug market access mechanism to provide reference.

International Experience and Enlightenment on Pricing Methods for Laboratory Projects / 中国卫生经济

With the increasing proportion of laboratory projects in the revenue of public hospitals,how to adjust the prices of labo-ratory projects and improve the income structure of public hospitals has become one of the important contents of China's medical re-form.It is based on a systematic introduction and summary of the pricing methods for inspection projects in British Columbia,Canada,the US,and WHO.Combining with China's national conditions,it proposes three policy recommendations:establishing a cost cal-culation system and cost calculation tools for inspection projects,adopting differentiated pricing strategies based on social medical secu-rity levels,and regularly reviewing and updating the prices of inspection projects.

¿El área verde o el humedal afectan el precio de la vivienda, en un sector de Bogotá?

Diferencias en las características de la infraestructura verde pueden variar la relación entre los espacios verdes urbanos y el precio de la vivienda (PV). El objetivo de este estudio es estimar el efecto de la proximidad de áreas verdes con diseño antrópico (AVDA) y de un humedal, sobre los valores del mercado de vivienda. Mediante uso de sistemas de información geográfica se determinó el tamaño de áreas verdes próximas al humedal y otros atributos de localización de las viviendas; los precios de los inmuebles se obtuvieron en el mercado de finca raíz en Bogotá. Con mínimos cuadrados ordinarios se relacionó el PV con atributos ambientales, de localización y socioeconómicos; el Índice de Moran, modelos de contigüidad y error espaciales permitieron analizar la dependencia espacial de los datos. El AVDA y no el humedal, estuvo significativamente asociada con el PV Las regresiones realizadas mostraron la ausencia de dependencia espacial entre los datos, así como una asociación positiva del PV con las AVDA, el área del inmueble y el número de alcobas. Mientras que la edad de las viviendas y la distancia al Comando de Atención Inmediata (CAI) tuvieron una asociación negativa con el PV. Estos resultados muestran que los residentes locales pagan más por vivir cerca a áreas con AVDA y tienen implicaciones para la planificación urbana de estratos socioeconómicos altos. Los valores estimados en este trabajo pueden ser utilizados para alimentar un análisis costo-beneficio en evaluaciones para la construcción, ampliación y rehabilitación de espacios verdes urbanos. Se recomienda realizar un estudio semejante, en vecindarios de menores ingresos económicos que permitan definir también la tipología de AVDA factible de pagar y que al mismo tiempo proporcione servicios ecosistémicos culturales.

Differences in the characteristics of green infrastructure can vary the relationship between urban green spaces and housing prices. The objective of this study is to estimate the effect of the proximity of anthropically designed green areas and a wetland on housing market values. Using geographic information systems, the size of green areas near the wetland and other attributes of housing location were determined; property prices were obtained from the real estate market in Bogota. Ordinary least squares was used to relate the housing prices to environmental, location and socioeconomic attributes; the Moran Index, contiguity models and spatial error models were used to analyze the spatial dependence of the data. The anthropically designed green areas, and not the wetland, was significantly associated with the housing prices. The regressions performed showed the absence of spatial dependence among the data, as well as a positive association of housing prices with anthropically designed green areas, property area and number of alcoves. While the age of the dwellings and the distance to the Immediate Attention Command had a negative association with housing prices. These results show that local residents pay more to live near areas with anthropically designed green areas and have implications for urban planning for high socioeconomic strata. The values estimated in this work can be used to feed a cost-benefit analysis in evaluations for the construction, expansion, and rehabilitation of urban green spaces. It is recommended that a similar study be conducted in lower income neighborhoods to define the type of anthropically designed green areas that can be afforded and at the same time provide cultural ecosystem services.

As diferenças nas características da infra-estrutura verde podem variar a relação entre o espaço verde urbano e os preços da habitação (PH). O objetivo deste estudo é estimar o efeito da proximidade de áreas verdes antropogenicamente projetadas (AVAP) e de um pântano sobre os valores do mercado imobiliário. Usando sistemas de informação geográfica, foi determinado o tamanho das áreas verdes próximas ao pântano e outros atributos de localização habitacional; os preços dos imóveis foram obtidos do mercado imobiliário em Bogotá. Os mínimos quadrados comuns foram usados para relacionar a PV aos atributos ambientais, de localização e sócio-econômicos; os modelos do Índice Moran, contiguidade e erro espacial foram usados para analisar a dependência espacial dos dados. A AVAP e não a zona úmida, foi significativamente associada à PV. As regressões mostraram a ausência de dependência espacial entre os dados, bem como uma associação positiva de PH com AVAP, área da propriedade e número de alcovas. Enquanto a idade das moradias e a distância até o Comando de Atenção Imediata (CAI) tinham uma associação negativa com o PV Estes resultados mostram que os residentes locais pagam mais para viver perto de áreas com AVAP e têm implicações no planejamento urbano para altos estratos sócio-econômicos. Os valores estimados neste trabalho podem ser usados para alimentar uma análise de custo-benefício em avaliações para a construção, extensão e reabilitação de espaços verdes urbanos. Recomenda-se que seja realizado um estudo semelhante nos bairros de menor renda para também definir o tipo de AVAP que pode ser oferecido ao mesmo tempo em que fornece serviços culturais ecossistêmicos.

Experience and enlightenment of out-of-hospital pharmacy management under the 340B drug pricing program in the United States / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To learn from 340B drug pricing program （short for 340B program） in the United States， and provide reference for optimizing the operation and management of designated retail pharmacies under the “dual channel” policy in China. METHODS The status quos of the implementation of out-of-hospital pharmacies under the 340B program in the United States was reviewed to summarize the experience of the management of out-of-hospital pharmacies under the program in the United States， and to propose thoughts of management and possible problems for designated retail pharmacies under the “dual channel” policy in China. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Out-of-hospital pharmacies under the 340B program lacked sufficient basic information and medical insurance status of patients compared to medical institutions， which easily led to duplicate discounts and drug diversion issues. Due to the separation of out-of-hospital pharmacies from the management and restrictions on the use of drugs in medical institutions， coupled with the economic incentives brought by the sale of drugs， the 340B program in the United States faced high medical expenditure and adverse selection risks for out-of-hospital pharmacies. In this regard， when China is carrying out the construction of designated retail pharmacies under the “dual channel” policy， it is necessary to clarify the selection criteria for designated retail pharmacies， enhance the financial transparency of medical institutions and designated retail pharmacies， establish a scientific prescription circulation mechanism， strengthen the review and certification of insured patients and prescriptions， and improve the supervision and management mechanism. Meanwhile， the drug sales situation of designated retail pharmacies should be reasonably incorporated into the drug use management of medical institutions， so as to achieve the availability of drugs without abuse， and effectively control costs.

Study on value-based medical insurance access and pricing methods of multi-indication drugs / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To discuss medical insurance access and pricing methods for multi-indication drugs. METHODS The access situation of multi-indication drugs in China’s medical insurance negotiation over the years was sorted out. Referring to the economic theory of value-based pricing and the relevant experience of other countries， five applicable pricing methods of 3 categories for multi-indication drug in China were summarized. Taking ceftazidime-avibactam（CAZ-AVI） as an example， cost- utility analyses were performed for different indications， and appropriate pricing methods were applied. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS All multi-indication drugs in China adopted a single pricing method. The pricing methods that could be explored include product-based pricing， such as single pricing based on the lower-value indication or mixed/weighted single pricing； indication-based pricing， such as developing a new agreement for single pricing under different discounts and listing with different brands and pricing of the same medicine for different indications； and compensation for access restrictions. Each method has its advantages and limitations. The case of CAZ-AVI showed that it is necessary to estimate the value of each indication for multi- indication drugs， and comprehensively consider appropriate access conditions and pricing methods based on value. Although single pricing is simple to operate， it is different to reflect the value entirely. The indication-based pricing and compensation for access restrictions all depend on the information collection system and the cooperation of multiple departments. China is supposed to carry out the value-based pricing of multi-indication drugs and constantly explore reasonable access methods to improve overall social welfare.

Analysis of the current situation and countermeasures of pediatric drug procurement in China under the background of centralized drug procurement / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To analyze the current situation of pediatric drug use under centralized drug procurement， and to provide reference for the subsequent design of pediatric drug centralized procurement rules. METHODS The comparative analysis method was used to analyze the problems in the centralized procurement， clinical use and supply of pediatric drugs from the aspects of centralized procurement selection results and actual use of pediatric drugs， price difference and online prices of pediatric drugs. The solutions were put forward to optimize the centralized procurement and pricing rules of pediatric drugs. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The demands for pediatric drugs in China were increasing， but the supply of marketed pediatric drugs was insufficient （including insufficient coverage of disease fields， insufficient varieties， insufficient suitable dosage forms for children， insufficient specifications for children， etc.）， and the development of pediatric drugs was relatively difficult. After merging the dosage forms of centralized procurement according to the medical insurance list， some suitable dosage forms and specifications for children couldn’t be selected， resulting in a shortage of clinical pediatric medication. Relevant enterprises’ enthusiasm for developing and producing pediatric drugs and participating in online competitions had decreased. There was also the problem of underpricing of pediatric drugs under the drug price difference ratio rule. It is recommended that when conducting centralized drug procurement， special drugs for children should be grouped separately for centralized procurement based on attributes and the population covered by the indications. The specifications of suitable pediatric drugs that were not selected are converted into the agreed purchase quantity of medical institutions in a certain proportion. It is necessary to further optimize the pricing rules for pediatric specialized drugs， ensure a certain profit margin for such drugs， increase the willingness of production enterprises to research， develop and supply drugs， and thus ensure the use and supply of pediatric drugs.

Analysis of medical service units and prices of traditional Chinese medicine in the Yangtze River Delta / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To compare and analyze the pricing units and prices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medical services in 4 provinces of the Yangtze River Delta, for reference for the integrated development of TCM medical service project setting and price coordination in the Yangtze River Delta region.Methods:The medical service price project specifications published on the official websites of relevant departments in 4 provinces of the Yangtze River Delta (updated to March 2022) were obtained to extract data such as project names and pricing units. The pricing units and prices of TCM medical service projects in each province were compared and analyzed; The Jevons index method was used to analyze comparable project prices.Results:The numbers of TCM medical service projects in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui were 113, 146, 117, and 198, respectively. The types of pricing units were 15, 24, 13, and 12, respectively. There were differences in the setting of pricing units, especially in acupuncture and moxibustion, which had more decomposition projects. The average price of overall medical services in the Yangtze River Delta was 9.81 times that of TCM medical services. There were differences in the prices of comparable TCM medical service projects among the four provinces. Based on Anhui province, the inter provincial Jevons index of other categories of TCM medical service projects except for TCM massage were all less than 1.00.Conclusions:There were significant differences in the pricing units and prices of TCM medical service projects in the four provinces of the Yangtze River Delta, with Anhui province having the most significant difference compared to the other three provinces; The overall price of TCM medical service projects was relatively low.

Pricing Methods and Thoughts for Medical Service Item under the Background of Deepening Medical Service Price Re-form / 中国卫生经济

Medical service price reflects the value and the financial compensation for medical services.The medical service price reform plays an important role in optimizing the allocation of medical resources and transforming the operating mechanism of public hospitals.The pricing of medical services should take many factors into consideration such as the characteristics of medical service,service markets,service costs,supply and demand relationships,medical insurance payment policies,compensation mechanisms,and so on.In response to the current situation of price management methods and price levels for medical service in China,various pricing methods such as cost-based pricing,price-regulation pricing,and demand-oriented pricing should be comprehensively utilized to ex-plore a pricing mechanism that separates medical service value from medical service price,human resource value from material con-sumption value,and build a medical service pricing system that could be coordinated with policy objectives.

Application and Enlightenment of WHO Drug Pricing Method in Medical Insurance Pricing of Proprietary Chinese Medicine in China / 中国卫生经济

WHO Guideline on Country Pharmaceutical Pricing Policies,published in 2020,outlines 10 commonly used pricing methods internationally.However,due to the unique composition of costs for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),directly applying pricing methods designed for chemical and biological drugs may lead to discrepancies.Currently,in China,drug pricing primarily in-volves internal reference pricing,tender negotiation pricing,promoting the use of quality-assured generic and biosimilar drugs,and centralized procurement.It systematically analyzes various pricing methods and identifies their applicability and underlying reasons concerning the pricing of TCMwithin the medical insurance system.The method of value-based pricing and increasing price transparency has advantages for the pricing regulation of traditional Chinese medicine under medical insurance.

Research of Drug Pricing and Reimbursement Methods in Asia / 中国卫生经济

Objective:Systematically review drug pricing and reimbursement strategies,methods and applications in Asia to pro-vide references for drug pricing and reimbursement policy-making in China.Methods:Retrieval and screen literatures related to drug pricing policies,methods,implementation and application effects through documentary library and websites of corresponding countries.Results:A total of 7 drug pricing methods(internal reference pricing,external reference pricing,special agreement pricing,pharmacoeconomic evaluation,cost-weighted pricing,price maintenance premium,bidding and negotiation)were widely used as key strategies in Asia.Various drug pricing methods were used in different countries and the implementation methods were quite different.Conclusion:In the case of medical care accessibility,cost controlling and stimulating the creativity,it is necessary and feasible to have multiple drug pricing methods.The application effects were also difference due to the different policy implementation.

A preliminary assessment of availability and pricing of children’s medicines in government hospitals and private retail pharmacies in a district of West Bengal in India

Background: A lack of availability of suitable pediatric formulation and high price are often the major hindrance to the better access of the essential treatment to the children. In the backdrop of paucity of literature addressing this problem in India and in particular West Bengal, the present work was planned. Aim and Objectives: This study has been a maiden approach to generate data regarding this issue in small scale and in an inexpensive way after conducting a survey in different government and private facilities in a district of West Bengal, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used “WHO Children’s Medicines Survey Form” to make a rapid assessment of availability and pricing of 20 core children’s medicine formulations among ten government hospitals and nine private retail pharmacies in the district of Burdwan in West Bengal during September-October 2009. In retail pharmacies, the actual price to the patient of the cheapest brand was documented. In public health facilities, procurement prices for medicines were obtained from state government’s Central Medical Stores (CMS) listing. Results: Overall, the availability was sub-optimal in all levels of public health facilities-30% in medical college pharmacy, 33% in the district reserve stores, 33.75% in sub-divisional hospitals, 32.25% in primary health centers, and in retail pharmacies was only 45%. Out of the 20 formulations, only two (ORS, paracetamol) were available in all the public and private retail pharmacies. Availability of anti-infectives was better than other medicines in both types of facilities. The variation of prices among different brands was wide. The cost of even the cheapest brand was much higher than corresponding government procurement price. Conclusion: This maiden effort reveals sub-optimal availability of core essential medicines for children in both public facilities and private retail pharmacies. However, medicines available in private pharmacies were much costlier compared to CMS procurement price. This is a matter of concern. A larger nation-wide study is the need of the hour with a greater focus on affordability and prescribing behavior.

Comparison of prices of commonly used drugs in AMRIT pharmacy, Jan Aushadhi Centre and Private chemist shop: An analytical study from a tertiary care centre in Haryana

Background: The price of medicine in India has always been a point of discussion in public domain. The price range of the same drug is very large with more than 100% difference between various brands available in different settings. Aims and Objectives: To assess the price of different drugs at Jan Aushasdhi (JA), AMRIT and Private Chemist and to compare the prices of these three outlets so that the issues. Material and Methods: This institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2019 to June 2019. A pretested proforma was prepared to compare the prices of 284 different medicines in Jan Aushadhi, AMRIT and private chemist shops. The collected data were entered in an Excel spreadsheet and presented in Proportions, percentages, and mean. Results: The price of 284 medicines were compared from JA (Median(IQR)- 15.18(18.75) INR) and Private chemist shop (Median(IQR)-88(111.5) INR) while 249 medicine from AMRIT (Median(IQR)-61.05(78.33) INR). Although the majority of the AMRIT drugs are cheaper than the chemist shop except for 31% of Antipsychotic drugs, 26.6% of antihypertensives, 25% of respiratory drugs, 25% of steroids, 21.9% of antibiotics. Conclusion: We concluded that JA is providing drugs cheaper than AMRIT and Private chemist . The prices of medicines offered at AMRIT are lower than market pricing but they are costlier when compared to JA prices.

Cost variation analysis of various brands of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors currently available in the Indian market: An observational study

Background: India being the world’s largest supplier of generic drugs provides 50% of the drugs globally. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) (hereafter referred to as SSRI) is the most commonly prescribed drugs for depression (prevalence of 5.25%) and Anxiety (prevalence of 5.8%). The cost of these drugs influences the patient compliance with treatment and thereby the clinical outcome significantly. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the cost-variation of SSRIs available in the Indian market. Materials and Methods: Maximum and minimum costs of various SSRIs used in the treatment of depression and anxiety were obtained from the monthly index of medical specialties (November 2020) online, Jan Aushadhi Sugam App (Generic drugs), and National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority online. The cost of various SSRI being manufactured by different companies in the same strength and dosage form were compared. Cost ratio (Maximum cost/Minimum cost) and percentage cost variation ([{Max cost–Min cost}/Min cost] × 100) in INR (?) were calculated. Data were analyzed and represented using descriptive statistics. Results: Percentage cost variation was maximum with Fluoxetine 20 mg (3477.85%), followed by Sertraline 50 mg (1631.61%) and Escitalopram 10 mg (1288.89%). Percentage cost variation was minimum with Vilazodone 40 mg (16.31%). Conclusion: This study provides awareness about cost variation among different brands of SSRI used in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Wide variation can cause dissatisfaction, poor compliance, and economic burden among patients. It strengthens the usage of generic drugs among general population and healthcare providers.

A nova lei de licitações como promotora da maldição do vencedor / La nueva ley de licitaciones como promotora de la maldición del ganador / The new Brazilian public procurement law as promoter of the winner's curse

Resumo Evitar sobrepreços e preços manifestamente inexequíveis são dois objetivos principais da recém-promulgada Lei nº 14.133, de 1º de abril de 2021. O presente artigo demonstra que, ao tentar alcançar o primeiro objetivo, a nova lei de licitações promove o segundo, pois um comando específico tende a reduzir os preços até congelá-los nos menores valores possíveis, conduzindo os contratados à maldição do vencedor. Alerta-se os agentes públicos sobre o fato de que a manutenção desse comando levará a descumprimentos generalizados de contratos e a uma eventual falência de competidores. O método Monte Carlo é utilizado para demonstrar que um mecanismo abrangente de pesquisa de preços evitará o problema e garantirá o efeito pretendido pela lei.

Resumen Evitar los sobreprecios y los precios manifiestamente inviables son dos de los principales objetivos de la recién promulgada Ley 14.133/2021 de Brasil. Este artículo demuestra que, al intentar lograr el primer objetivo, la nueva ley de licitaciones promueve el segundo, ya que un comando específico tiende a reducir los precios hasta congelarlos a los valores más bajos practicables, llevando a los contratados a la maldición del ganador. Se advierte a los funcionarios públicos que mantener este comando conducirá a incumplimientos generalizados de contratos y eventual quiebra de los competidores. Se utiliza el método Monte Carlo para demostrar que un mecanismo integral de investigación de precios evitará el problema y garantizará el efecto buscado por la ley.

Abstract Avoiding overpricing and irresponsible pricing are two central objectives of the recently enacted Law 14133/2021. This article shows that when trying to achieve the first objective, the new Brazilian public procurement law promotes the second, since a specific command reduces maximum prices until they freeze to the lowest possible values, leading the contractors to the winner's curse. Public officials are warned that maintaining this command will lead to widespread breaches of contracts and eventual bankruptcy of contractors. The Monte Carlo method is adopted to show that a comprehensive price database will avoid the problem and guarantee the effect intended by the law.

Semimonthly Table of Contents Application of health technology assessment in 4 European countries and its enlightenment to China / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide referen ce for improving the application of health technology assessment （HTA） in decision-making for health insurance drugs in China. METHODS The application of HTA in decision-making for health insurance drugs in Britain ，France，Germany and Sweden were sorted out and analyzed from two aspects ：the establishment of HTA institutions and the process of HTA. The suggestions for improvement were put forward ，combined with the implementation of HTA in China. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Britain，France，Germany and Sweden have set up special HTA institutions ，which perform their respective duties and cooperate closely. During the implementation of HTA ，the above four countries have set different value assessment criteria to screen drugs with “high cost performance ”，all stakeholders actively participate ，make the evaluation results and decisions public ，set up objection handling links ，open a rapid evaluation channel to improve the accessibility of drugs ，and re-evaluate the drugs included in the reimbursement list to ensure the sustainability of medical insurance. It is suggested that China should combine the national conditions ，strengthen the cooperation of HTA institutions ，focus on talent training and comprehensive value assessment criteria ， promote stakeholder ’s participation ， improve the transparency of decision-making，and improve the implementation procedures of HTA in China.

Effect of the general reform on county-level hospitals′ financial performance: a case study / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To analyze the impact of the comprehensive reform of public hospitals on the economic operation of county-level hospitals, by taking a county-level hospital as an example.Methods:The hospital launched the public hospital general reform in 2014. The hospital information system, hospital resource planning system and cost accounting information system collected the data of hospital business operation, expenditure/revenue, reimbursement for revenue loss due to " drug zero price gap" policy, charges and costs from 2014 to 2019, which were used to calculate the cost of medical service items and disease costs. The hospital′s service volume, changes in medical expenses, income structure, balance of revenue and expenditure and the compensation level for the zero difference rate of drugs were analyzed by descriptive analysis, and the actual charge and cost difference of medical service items and diseases were analyzed by comparative analysis.Results:Compared with 2014, the number of outpatient/emergency, surgery and discharge in 2019 increased by 31.51%, 40.21% and 12.21% respectively, and the average hospitalization cost increased by 4.39%. The proportion of drug cost and material cost decreased by 4.27 and 1.78 percentage points respectively, the proportion of laboratory tests and examinations cost increased by 3.15 and 3.98 percentage points respectively. Changes in the proportion of expenses reflecting the value of technical labor services, such as surgery, treatment, diagnosis and nursing, were all less than 0.60 percentage points. Since 2017, the business expenditure of the hospital had exceeded the income. The proportion of drug income reduced due to " drug zero price gap" policy compensated by medical service income had decreased from 82.00% in 2015 to 58.63% in 2019, and 66.82% of medical service items were defective items. In addition to type 2 diabetes, the actual charges of the 9 main " list" diseases were lower than the standard cost accounting values.Conclusions:After the comprehensive reform of medical price, there may be a large revenue/expenditure gap in a short term, and the cost may be higher than the charges. When formulating the comprehensive reform policy of regional pharmaceutical prices, we should consider the superposition effect of the policies implemented in the same period, and strengthen the short-term financial responsiveness, to provide space for public hospitals to gradually adapt to the reform.

Pediatric Drug Pricing and Price Incentive Policy in Japan and Its Enlightenment to China / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To learn from pedia tric drug pricing and price incentive policy in Japan ，and to provide reference for the improvement of pediatric drug price system in China. METHODS ：The drug pricing strategy of Japan was analyzed ，and price incentive policy of pediatric drugs in Japan and its implementation status and effect were summarized. The suggestions of perfecting the price system of pediatric drugs in China were put forward . RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS ：The pricing strategy of medical insurance drugs in Japan included two types ，such as access pricing of medical insurance list and price adjustment of drugs in medical insurance list. Among them ，price incentive policy for pediatric drugs mainly included the premium for initial pricing of new pediatric drugs ，the premium for drugs with newly added pediatric indication included in medical insurance list and other measures（such as eligible drugs could obtain indirect price compensation ，and children ’s factors could be considered in health technology assessment ）. Overall ，these measures accelerated the R&D and marketing of Japanese pediatric drugs ，and effectively promoted the development of pediatric drugs in Japan. The author suggests that our country should carry out health technology assessment which reflects the particularity of pediatric drugs ，give appropriate direct price incentives to the payment price of pediatric drugs ，and reasonably set the price of drug specification suitable for children and give price incentives so as to promote the development of pediatric drugs in China.