Tianjin, Shandong, and Hainan provinces in China have released their lists of backup suppliers following the recently completed Round 8 of the volume-based procurement (VBP) program. For the first time, the backup supplier system has been applied to drugs that are designated as being in dangerously short supply in clinics. These include tranexamic acid, valproate, nadroparin, enoxaparin, and furosemide.
VBP Tendering Rules and the Role of Backup Suppliers
Under the VBP tendering rules, when there are more than three winning manufacturers for a particular drug variety, the provinces can designate another manufacturer to act as a spare supplier. This measure extends the impact of VBP pricing, as the backup supplier is required to maintain online procurement prices at no more than 1.5 times the highest winning bid price. This ensures a stable supply and competitive pricing for essential medications.
Publicity Deadlines and Transparency in Procurement
The publicity deadline for Tianjin and Hainan is set for May 8, while Shandong has extended the deadline to May 10. This transparency in the procurement process allows for public scrutiny and ensures that the backup suppliers are selected fairly and in accordance with the established guidelines.-Fineline Info & Tech
