Shanghai’s Sunshine Medical Procurement All-in-One (SMPA) platform has announced a significant policy shift regarding non-winning bids in the 9th round of volume-based procurement (VBP). The notification suggests that drugs which did not secure a winning bid and are eligible for online procurement in Shanghai may be exempted from the “high-priced drugs” classification if manufacturers voluntarily lower their procurement prices to align with or undercut those of their same-name competitors. This voluntary price reduction would apply once the agreed purchase quantity of the winning VBP bids for corresponding drug varieties has been fulfilled. Consequently, non-selected drugs that have voluntarily reduced their prices will not face priority procurement restrictions or related assessments.
The move is set to alleviate the financial burden on individuals covered by Basic Medical Insurance schemes for urban employees and residents, as well as rural residents, who use “high-priced drugs.” Currently, the co-payment ratio is increased by 10% for National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) Category A drugs and by 20% for other drugs, making this policy change particularly impactful for patients relying on these medications.- Flcube.com
