Core Viewpoint - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has initiated an investigation into six companies for collusion and price negotiation during the national drug procurement process, marking the first instance of such violations since the implementation of centralized drug procurement in China [1][4]. Group 1: Investigation and Penalties - Six companies have been disqualified from the seventh round of national drug procurement due to collusion in bidding and have been placed on a "blacklist," facing a suspension of participation for 6 to 12 months [3][7]. - This incident is referred to as the "largest collusion case" in national drug procurement history [4]. - The involved companies include Chengdu Xinjie High-tech Development Co., Ltd., Renhe Yikang Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Yipin Hong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang Fourth Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai Xudong Haipu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Jiangxi Yiyou Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [7]. Group 2: Financial Impact - The collusion has resulted in a loss of approximately 266 million yuan for the procurement side, with Yipin Hong committing to refund the entire amount based on sales data from 2022 to present [8]. - The average winning price for the involved drug, Ambroxol Hydrochloride Injection, was 17.95 yuan, with a price drop of 22%, making it one of the least reduced products in the procurement [9]. Group 3: Market Implications - The blacklisting of these companies may lead to increased competition among other firms for the market share of Ambroxol Hydrochloride Injection, as the involved companies accounted for over 90% of its sales in public hospitals [11]. - The NHSA has emphasized the importance of compliance with laws and regulations in drug procurement, warning that collusion will lead to penalties and damage to corporate reputation [11].