Study on the availability of pediatric essential medicines in China: Based on the surveys in 19 provinces / 中国卫生政策研究

ABSTRACT

Objective:To analyze the availability ofpediatricessential medicines in China, and to provide reference and suggestions for the further responses to the demand for pediatric medication in China. Methods:Using survey data collected from 19 provinces in China through the cooperation of the National Health Commission and our research group, the availability of pediatricessential medicines in China was analyzed from the perspectives of drug use and a-vailability with its influencing factors. Results:The survey results showed that the availability of pediatricessential medicines in China is generally low. The shortage in such medicines does not occur in individual regions, individual medical institutions or individual treatment areas, but it is still general in the surveyed parts of the country. The two fundamental reasons for the noticed shortage arethe research on special varieties for Children is expensive and the pricing mechanism of suitable varieties is inappropriate, which results in insufficient motivation for R&D Enterprises. Conclusions:This article suggests that the existing national pediatric medication support policies should be put in place as soon as possible, andbe further implemented for nationwide pediatric consumption. It is also recommended that health, drug supervision, bidding, pricing, medical insurance and other departments should work together to make more preferential policies to help enterprises develop special pediatric drugs to further promote the supply and respond to the demand of medicine for children in China.