An analysis of China's national essential medicines policy

Although China embraced the concept of essential medicines in 1979 and issued its first National Essential Medicines List in 1982., until recently China has lacked a comprehensive national essential drug policy. In its most recent health-care reform (2009-2012.), the Chinese government explicitly proposed the establishment of a national essential medicines system, and made it one of five top priorities in the coming years. We review the evolution of China's essential medicines policies, explain the importance of fully implementing the essential medicines policy, and analyze recent policy developments surrounding essential medicines. Journal of Public Health Policy (2011) 32, 305-319. doi:10.1057/jphp.2011.34; published online 26 May 2011