Core Viewpoint - The significant price discrepancies between hospital and retail/e-commerce prices for pediatric calcium D3 granules raise concerns about the effectiveness of centralized procurement policies and public trust in healthcare pricing [1][3][7]. Group 1: Price Discrepancies - Pediatric calcium D3 granules from Hunan Warner Pharmaceutical are priced at 34.93 yuan in a pediatric hospital, while the same product is available for approximately 19 yuan in pharmacies and e-commerce platforms, indicating a price difference of over 80% [1]. - A similar case was reported where a consumer found a vitamin D product priced at 47.4 yuan in a hospital, while the same product was 63 yuan in a retail pharmacy and only 29.8 yuan online [2]. - The price of pediatric calcium D3 granules in hospitals is reportedly higher than the centralized procurement price of 2.495 yuan per bag, which raises questions about the adherence to procurement policies [3][4]. Group 2: Causes of Price Differences - The price discrepancies are attributed to several factors, including the dynamic nature of market conditions, raw material costs, and the potential disconnect between procurement prices and actual supply costs [7][10]. - Public hospitals are expected to follow a zero-markup policy, but actual selling prices may reflect higher supply costs, leading to price deviations from the centralized procurement prices [7][10]. - The lack of timely updates to the listed prices on procurement platforms compared to the competitive pricing in retail and e-commerce markets contributes to these discrepancies [10][11]. Group 3: Regulatory Responses - The National Medical Insurance Administration has initiated actions to compare prices across different sales channels and address any significant discrepancies [14]. - Local governments, such as in Guangdong and Anhui, have implemented rules to ensure that listed prices align with local retail prices and to prompt adjustments when prices exceed a certain threshold [15][16]. - Experts suggest establishing a transparent pricing mechanism that allows for real-time price comparisons across channels to enhance market competition and reduce reliance on administrative controls [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights significant price discrepancies between hospital and retail prices for pediatric calcium D3 granules, raising concerns about the effectiveness of centralized procurement policies and the trust in public healthcare systems [1][2][3]. Price Discrepancies - A notable price difference of 80% was reported for pediatric calcium D3 granules, with hospital prices reaching 34.93 yuan compared to 19 yuan in pharmacies and e-commerce platforms [1]. - Similar instances of price variation exist, such as a consumer purchasing a vitamin D product for 47.4 yuan in a hospital, while the same product was priced at 63 yuan in a retail pharmacy and only 29.8 yuan online [2]. Centralized Procurement Issues - Pediatric calcium D3 granules were included in centralized procurement in 2022, with the winning bid price set at 3.795 yuan per bag, which was later reduced to 2.495 yuan per bag in 2025 [3]. - Despite the procurement price, the hospital price for the same product was found to be 3.31 yuan per bag, indicating a discrepancy between procurement prices and actual hospital pricing [3]. Factors Contributing to Price Differences - Experts suggest that the price differences stem from various factors, including the dynamic nature of market conditions, raw material costs, and the potential disconnect between procurement prices and actual supply costs [6]. - Public hospitals are expected to adhere to a zero-markup policy, but the actual supply prices may lead to higher hospital prices if they exceed the procurement prices [6]. Regulatory Responses - The National Medical Insurance Administration has initiated measures to address price discrepancies, including monitoring and adjusting prices to align with market conditions [15][16]. - Local governments have also implemented regulations to ensure that procurement prices remain comparable to retail prices, with specific thresholds for price adjustments [16]. Future Directions - Experts advocate for a transparent pricing mechanism that allows for real-time price comparisons across different sales channels, aiming to reduce reliance on administrative controls and enhance market competition [18].