The National Health Commission and 8 other departments introduce 16 measures to ensure children's access to medicines
The reform and upgrade of the children's medicine保障 mechanism covers the entire chain from R&D and supply to clinical use 16 measures will improve the accessibility of pediatric medicines and help parents obtain safer medicines in a timely manner
On May 7, the National Health Commission and 8 other departments issued the "Implementation Opinions on Reforming and Improving the Supply and Security Mechanism for Pediatric Medicines," proposing 16 measures covering the research and development, production, distribution, payment, and clinical use of pediatric medicines, with the aim of enhancing the guarantee capacity for medicines used in the prevention and treatment of childhood diseases.
The "Opinions" propose strengthening innovation in pediatric medicine R&D, supporting the development of medicines for common childhood diseases, rare diseases, and suitable dosage forms, and improving supporting policies such as priority review and approval and access to medical insurance. At the same time, efforts will be made to promote collaboration in pediatric clinical trials, improve information in package inserts, and advance the research and translation of traditional Chinese medicine and proprietary Chinese medicines in the pediatric field.
In terms of supply and regulation, the document emphasizes enhancing the resilience of the pediatric medicine industry chain, improving monitoring and reserves of medicines in short supply, and strengthening production quality supervision and fullprocess traceability. Regarding clinical application and service support, relevant formularies and guidelines will also be revised, the management of supply in medical institutions will be optimized, rational drug use management will be strengthened, and pediatric pharmacy services and public education on medicine use will be promoted.