The National Healthcare Security Administration has issued a notice to initiate the COVID-delayed eighth round of the national volume-based procurement (VBP) program. Hospitals are required to begin providing details of the volumes required for a list of 41 drugs across 181 specifications starting from January 13. This round focuses entirely on chemical drugs, with several molecules already featured in earlier VBP rounds in differing dosage forms.
List of Drugs and Previous VBP Participation
The list includes six molecules that have been part of previous VBP rounds:
- Metronidazole injection: The tablet form was included in the 2nd round VBP, with China Grand Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Holdings Ltd (HKG: 0512) and Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (SHE: 002422) winning spots.
- Mecobalamin injection: The tablet form was part of the 3rd VBP, with Eisai and Jiangxi Qingfeng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd winning spots.
- Cefdinir granules: The capsule/dispersible tablet form was included in VBP3, won by SSY Group Limited (HKG: 2005), Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd (HKG: 3692), China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd (Sinopharm), and Chengdu Brilliant Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
- Voriconazole injection: The tablet form was included in VBP4, won by Sandoz, Uni-Bio Science Group Ltd, and Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (SHA: 600521).
- Ornidazole injection: The tablet form was part of VBP7, won by Kelun Pharma, Tiscend Pharmaceutical, Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd (SHE: 000963), and Hangzhou Muyuan Biomedicine Technology Co., Ltd.
- Oseltamivir dry suspension: The capsule form was included in VBP7, won by Hetero, Kelun Pharma, HEC, and seven other companies.
Timeline for Volume Reporting
Hospitals have until February 8, 2023, to file their volume requirements to the provincial healthcare security administration bureaus. The alliance procurement office is expected to receive relevant data by February 21.
Future Outlook
The initiation of the eighth VBP round underscores the National Healthcare Security Administration’s ongoing efforts to streamline drug procurement and control costs. With a focus on chemical drugs and the inclusion of several previously featured molecules, this round aims to further optimize the availability and affordability of essential medications. The detailed timeline for volume reporting ensures a structured approach to the procurement process, benefiting both healthcare providers and patients.-Fineline Info & Tech
