(ECNS) - China has expanded its national essential medicines list to 794 drugs, up from 685 previously, in a move to improve access to basic medicines across the country's healthcare system.
The updated catalog, released by the National Health Commission, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, includes 476 chemical medicines and biologic products as well as 318 traditional Chinese medicines.
Authorities said the revised list is intended to better meet public demand for medicines used in disease prevention and treatment.
The agencies also said they would strengthen management of essential medicine procurement and use, while improving prescribing practices across medical institutions.
Officials said efforts would focus on ensuring that primary healthcare facilities are able to stock and use medicines included in the catalog, helping patients gain access to treatments closer to home.
(By Zhang Jiahao)
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