In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the central government reduced funding for
healthcare, creating deficits for public health institutions. This move forced
hospitals to generate their own revenue by aggressively selling drugs.
To stem the rising tide of public complaints about high medical costs, the
National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) capped the cost of hundreds of drugs.
However, critics argue that the price cuts have not been effective since drug
manufacturers often change the names and packaging of their drugs to escape
price controls.
Some hospitals and clinics have also turned a blind eye to government price
caps and refused to prescribe lower-priced alternative drugs.
Gao said drug production, distribution and use were all riddled with
problems, which not only inflated drug prices, but also upset the public.
"I myself am also very dissatisfied," he said.
He said the catalogue could be based on 300 to 400 drugs recommended by the
World Health Organization every year.
"The government must take action to tighten control and supervision of the
production, purchase and distribution of drugs to ensure that they are safe and
sold at affordable prices," the minister said.
Drug pricing in China currently falls under the jurisdiction of several
departments.
（China Daily）
Vocabulary:
medical expenses:
醫(yī)藥費
substandard food and medicine:
不合規(guī)格的食品和藥品
cap:
給…定一個上限
（英語點津陳蓓編輯）
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