The expanded version of the Essential Drug List will be released as soon as possible to expand the scope of implementation

The Essential Drug Extension is a list of drugs that are distinguished from the basic version of the Essential Medicines Catalog and are more extensive in the variety and number of drugs. In August 2009, the Ministry of Health promulgated the "National Essential Drug List (Part of the Basic Medical and Health Institutions)" (the basic version), but the extended catalogue for advanced medical institutions has not yet been introduced. According to the "2009-2012 China Pharmaceutical Industry Investment Analysis and Prospects Forecast Report" previously released by China Investment Advisor, due to the substantial increase in the number of expanded versions of pharmaceuticals, many pharmaceutical companies are rushing to enter the expanded version of the Essential Drug Directory.

Previously, the Ministry of Health had stated that it would cooperate with the pilot reform of public hospitals and introduce an expanded version of the National Essential Drug Directory in November 2009.

In addition, according to the medical reform plan, in 2009, 30% of urban communities and rural medical institutions use essential medicines, and in 2010, the implementation scope will be further expanded on this basis.

Whether or not this can be implemented smoothly, Mao Qun'an said that it depends on the implementation of the policy of subsidizing the compensation for basic medical and health institutions. Therefore, the Ministry of Health hopes that all localities will implement the compensation policy for primary health care institutions as soon as possible. This is a prerequisite and basis for expanding the scope of implementation of the basic medicine system.