The drug and medical device procurement center of Hebei Province released a notification regarding the information filing for volume-based procurement (VBP) of 20 medical consumables. Notably, the rigid breathable contact lens for corneal shaping, commonly known as Ortho-K, has been included on the list.
Ortho-K and Market Dynamics
Ortho-K lenses are used to arrest the progression of myopia and astigmatism and are widely used in the prevention and control of juvenile myopia. Historically, Ortho-K lenses, like dental implants, have been out-of-pocket (OPP) expenses and were not considered eligible for VBP. However, both products have faced significant market demand, nonstandard charges, and high fees, drawing consumer complaints and government attention. There has been a growing call for manufacturers to lower prices. Last month, the National Healthcare Security Administration released a notice on “Carrying out Special Treatment of Oral Implant Medical Service Charges and Consumables Prices,” aiming to reduce the prices of oral implant consumables.
VBP Expansion and Impact
Separately, Jilin Province released the “Spring Coil Medical Consumables Inter-provincial Alliance Volume-based Procurement Document (draft proposal),” initiating spring coil VBP across 21 provinces. Previously, Hebei, Jiangsu, and Fujian provinces have completed spring coil VBPs, with average price cuts of 46.82% and 54% in Hebei and Jiangsu, respectively. The inclusion of medical devices like dental implants and Ortho-K, which are not covered by the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), in VBP indicates that VBP has become a norm in China.-Fineline Info & Tech
