In an interview with the state-affiliated People's Daily, the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) stated that it conducts evaluations to ensure that generic drugs meet the quality and efficacy standards of original research-based medications and that they are closely monitored post-approval.
The NHSA initiated an investigation last month following reports from local media, where doctors in Beijing and Shanghai expressed doubts about the efficacy and side effects of cheaper generic drugs compared to those produced by Western pharmaceutical companies.
The regulator addressed these concerns by consulting with relevant experts and the leaders of seven hospitals, concluding that the belief that generic drugs, including anesthetics and laxatives, were less effective stemmed from "subjective feelings."
Since launching the bulk-buy program in 2018 to negotiate lower prices from drug manufacturers, China has expanded this initiative across various regions. The list of drugs includes off-patent bestsellers from Western pharmaceutical companies as well as generics from domestic manufacturers. Despite the pressure on profit margins, many drug companies continue to participate in tenders to supply public hospitals with large quantities.