Core Insights - The successful implementation of the Y90 glass microsphere system at Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital marks a significant advancement in the treatment of primary liver cancer in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [1][2] Group 1: Medical Innovation - The Y90 glass microsphere is the first radioactive tumor treatment device approved in the Greater Bay Area and the first globally to receive FDA approval for primary liver cancer treatment [2] - This treatment combines the targeted killing of traditional internal radiation therapy with the minimally invasive safety of interventional techniques, allowing for personalized dosage tailored to individual patient needs [2][3] Group 2: Clinical Application - The Y90 microsphere therapy aims to reduce tumor size, control cancer embolism, and lower recurrence rates, potentially allowing patients to achieve surgical resection or liver transplantation for a cure [1][2] - The procedure is characterized by minimal invasiveness, utilizing DSA interventional equipment to inject millions of Y90 microspheres directly into the tumor's blood supply, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue [3] Group 3: Policy and Market Impact - The Hong Kong-Macao Medical Device Policy facilitates the introduction of innovative medical products into the Greater Bay Area, enhancing patient access to advanced treatments and reducing healthcare costs [5][6] - This policy encourages innovation in medical products and service models, providing new market opportunities for pharmaceutical companies and promoting the development of the medical industry in the Greater Bay Area [5][6]

Core Points - The Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration and the Guangdong Provincial Health Commission have released a management method for the "Hong Kong-Macao Drug and Medical Device Access" policy, aimed at regulating the import of urgently needed drugs and medical devices from Hong Kong and Macao in the Greater Bay Area [1][2] - The policy allows designated medical institutions in the Greater Bay Area to use urgently needed drugs and medical devices that have been approved in Hong Kong and Macao, enhancing healthcare access for residents [1] - As of September 10, 2023, the policy has expanded to 45 medical institutions, covering all nine cities in the Greater Bay Area, with a total of 125 drug and medical device varieties introduced, benefiting over ten thousand patients [1] Management Method Details - The management method includes a clear "positive and negative list" for the selection of drugs and medical devices, ensuring that only those meeting clinical urgency and safety standards are included, while those with serious safety risks or legal/ethical violations are excluded [2] - A dynamic adjustment mechanism for the directory will be implemented, allowing real-time updates based on the market status of drugs and medical devices, approval status in Hong Kong and Macao, clinical urgency, and safety monitoring results [2] - The management method will take effect on November 1, 2023, and will be valid for five years [3]

Core Viewpoint - The discontinuation of reimbursement for the drug "Vimizim" under the "Sui Suikang" insurance plan has left families of rare disease patients, like the case of a 6-year-old girl named Youyou, facing exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses for necessary treatments, raising concerns about the adequacy of current healthcare policies for rare diseases [2][3][4]. Group 1: Patient Experience - Youyou, diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IV, requires lifelong treatment with the drug Vimizim, which costs over 2 million yuan annually [2][3]. - The family previously relied on the "Sui Suikang" insurance plan, which covered most of the drug costs until March 2023, when reimbursement was halted [3][4]. - The monthly cost for Youyou's treatment has escalated to over 100,000 yuan, leading to financial strain on the family [3][6]. Group 2: Insurance Policy and Regulations - The Guangzhou Medical Insurance Bureau stated that Vimizim is not covered under "Sui Suikang" because it is no longer approved for sale in mainland China, as its registration expired in May 2024 [4][7]. - The new "Sui Xin Bao" insurance plan claims to cover drugs introduced through the "Hong Kong and Macau Drug and Device Access" policy, but excludes pre-existing conditions, leaving patients like Youyou without coverage [5][7]. - The Guangzhou Medical Insurance Bureau acknowledged the family's appeal regarding the inclusion of Vimizim in "Sui Suikang" but indicated that coverage decisions are based on annual operational assessments [8]. Group 3: Broader Implications - The situation highlights disparities in insurance coverage for rare diseases across different cities, with some cities like Shenzhen including Vimizim in their insurance plans while Guangzhou does not [4][7]. - The family’s struggle reflects a larger issue regarding the adequacy of healthcare support for patients with chronic and rare conditions, questioning the effectiveness of current policies in providing necessary treatment options [5][6].