Core Viewpoint - The recent introduction of the "anti-involution" principle in drug procurement aims to address the excessive price competition that has led to quality concerns and unsustainable pricing strategies among companies [2][3]. Group 1: Drug Procurement and Pricing - The National Healthcare Security Administration has initiated the 11th batch of centralized procurement, emphasizing principles such as "stabilizing clinical needs, ensuring quality, preventing collusion, and anti-involution" [2]. - The previous trend of companies engaging in extreme low-price bidding has resulted in some bids being below cost, which threatens both profitability and product quality [2][3]. - Since the start of centralized procurement in 2018, the average price reduction for 435 drugs has exceeded 50%, with some drugs seeing price drops of over 95%, saving approximately 150 billion yuan annually in healthcare funds [2]. Group 2: Challenges and Concerns - Issues such as "winning bids leading to production halts" and manipulation of prices through collusion have emerged, raising concerns about market integrity [3]. - A review of the list of untrustworthy companies reveals repeated offenses, indicating a persistent problem with dishonesty and potential corruption in the healthcare sector [3]. - The shift towards a price-only competition model risks stifling innovation and could lead to further unethical practices within the industry [3]. Group 3: Policy and Regulatory Framework - The "anti-involution" strategy is not intended to negate the price-reduction benefits of centralized procurement but aims to foster a healthier competitive environment by shifting focus from price to quality [3][4]. - New procurement rules will adjust the price reference points and require the lowest bidders to justify their pricing, ensuring that bids do not compromise quality for cost [3][4]. - A comprehensive regulatory framework is necessary to support these principles, including consistent evaluations and post-selection inspections to ensure quality throughout the procurement process [4]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The integration of "anti-involution" with other principles is essential for creating a balanced approach that protects patient rights while promoting fair market competition [4]. - Continuous improvement in drug procurement policies is crucial to address ongoing challenges and to ensure that quality and innovation remain at the forefront of the industry [4]. - Establishing a procurement model that benefits patients and encourages high-quality development in the pharmaceutical industry is a key goal moving forward [4].
药品集采“反内卷”,纠偏“唯低价”导向 | 新京报社论
Xin Jing Bao·2025-07-24 14:19