The results of the dental implant system-focused volume-based procurement (VBP) tender held in Sichuan have been published, revealing significant price reductions. The average winning bid price was RMB 900 (USD 133), representing a 55% average decrease compared to pre-VBP median procurement prices. The tender involved 55 manufacturers, with 39 securing bids, accounting for 71% of participants. The round, which included 18,000 medical institutions and 2.87 million sets of implant systems, is expected to save patients RMB 4 billion (USD 591.9 million) annually.
Price Reductions for Major Brands
Notable price cuts were seen for implant systems from major brands. Straumann Group, Dentsply, and Nobel Biocare’s systems saw their prices reduced to RMB 1,850 (USD 174) from a median procurement price of RMB 5,000 (USD 740). Meanwhile, Osstem and Dentium’s systems are now priced at RMB 770 (USD 114), down from the previous RMB 1,500 (USD 222). The tender included Grade IV pure titanium and titanium alloy implant systems.
Expansion into Non-Medical Insurance Sector
This event marks the first attempt to expand high-value medical consumables into the non-medical insurance sector. A total of 14,000 private medical institutions participated, accounting for 80% of all medical institutions involved. This initiative aims to make dental implant systems more accessible and affordable for patients.
Future Steps by National Healthcare Security Administration
The National Healthcare Security Administration has noted that it will continue to implement price bidding and online procurement for crown consumables used in dental implantation. The administration will also enforce whole process control to lower dental implant medical service prices. Dental implant expense controls are expected to be implemented from late March to late April this year.
Future Outlook
The significant price reductions resulting from the VBP tender highlight the National Healthcare Security Administration’s efforts to make dental implant systems more affordable. With substantial savings for patients and expanded access to private medical institutions, this initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare affordability and accessibility.-Fineline Info & Tech
