China updates national medical insurance catalog, adds 114 new drugs

BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday unveiled an updated version of its national medical insurance drug list and the inaugural edition of the commercial insurance innovative drug list, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration.

The updated national medical insurance drug list has added 114 drugs, among which 50 are innovative pharmaceuticals. It has incorporated certain medications that fill the gaps in basic medical insurance coverage, such as drugs for major diseases, rare diseases, and chronic conditions.

The commercial insurance innovative drug list included 19 drugs for the treatment of tumors, rare diseases, and Alzheimer's, among others.

The country's medical insurance authority has adjusted the list for eight years in a row, increasing the total number of medications to 3,253 and significantly improving coverage in key areas such as oncology, chronic diseases, mental illnesses, rare diseases, and pediatric medications.