Core Viewpoint - The implementation of drug traceability codes in China aims to enhance drug safety and ensure that all drugs involved in centralized procurement have unique electronic identifiers, thereby preventing counterfeit and substandard drugs from entering the market [1][2]. Group 1: Drug Traceability System - Starting from 2025, all drugs participating in centralized procurement must have traceability codes, which serve as unique electronic identities for each drug package [1]. - The traceability system is designed to provide full-chain transparency in drug management, ensuring that the source, destination, and accountability of drugs can be tracked [2]. - As of February 2025, the National Medical Insurance Information Platform has collected 21.936 billion traceability codes, covering all 31 provinces in China [2]. Group 2: Impact on Drug Safety - The "code-based procurement" approach has effectively reduced drug quality risks and has led to the identification and punishment of illegal activities such as drug reselling and swapping [2]. - The "code-based settlement" mechanism has facilitated precise supervision of medical insurance funds, recovering 27.5 billion yuan in fraudulent claims and identifying 2,008 fraudulent institutions [2]. Group 3: Challenges and Recommendations - Despite advancements, there are still weaknesses in drug safety management, particularly in post-market supervision and the classification of different drug types [3]. - The need for a refined classification and grading management system for various drug types, especially high-risk drugs, is emphasized to prevent treatment failures and adverse reactions [3]. - Recommendations include enhancing the drug traceability system, training specialized personnel, and establishing comprehensive legal frameworks to support the system [5].

Core Viewpoint - The recent extreme heat in Shandong has led to increased demand for online medical insurance drug purchasing services, with a significant portion of the population opting for this method to avoid heat-related health issues [1][2]. Group 1: Online Medical Insurance Drug Purchasing - Online medical insurance drug purchasing has become the preferred choice for citizens in Shandong, with over 70% of insured individuals using this service after initial trials [1][2]. - The service covers 37 well-known chain pharmacies in Qingdao, and efforts are underway to expand this service to other cities in Shandong [1]. - The convenience of online purchasing allows users to select medications based on price and distance, with delivery within 30 minutes, particularly benefiting families with elderly or children [2][5]. Group 2: User Experience and Popularity - The online medical insurance drug purchasing process is user-friendly, allowing insured individuals to easily find pharmacies that accept insurance payments through the Meituan app [5]. - Users can compare prices across different pharmacies and utilize their medical insurance accounts for payment, enhancing both cost-effectiveness and convenience [5]. - The service has received positive feedback, with over 70% of users indicating they would use it again, and more than 30% utilizing the service during nighttime [5]. Group 3: Drug Traceability System - The National Medical Insurance Administration is promoting a drug traceability system, and Meituan is collaborating with regulatory bodies to implement this system for online medical insurance drug purchases [6]. - Meituan's traceability system has been made available for free in Qingdao, ensuring that pharmacies can fully integrate with the system [6]. - The system employs a dual-track solution for large and small pharmacies, facilitating quick data collection during drug order processing, which enhances accountability and safety in drug distribution [6].

Core Viewpoint - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) is conducting a nationwide special rectification of medical insurance fund management, focusing on issues related to "abnormal drug traceability codes" and illegal resale of "returned drugs" [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The NHSA, in collaboration with various government departments, has initiated a three-phase comprehensive investigation into designated medical institutions suspected of selling "returned drugs" [1]. - The first phase of the investigation has been completed, with the second phase scheduled for deployment in August 2025, and a concentrated action planned from October to December [1]. - The NHSA has collected a total of 39.885 billion drug traceability codes since the nationwide implementation of drug traceability code collection began in 2024 [1]. Group 2: Drug Traceability System - The drug traceability code serves as a unique "electronic ID" for each box of medication, ensuring that each drug can only be sold once; repeated scans may indicate counterfeit or "returned drugs" [2]. - The NHSA has implemented a policy where medical insurance funds will refuse payment for drugs that are not scanned or show repeated scans, thereby enhancing drug regulation efficiency [2]. - As of July 1, 2025, designated medical institutions are required to scan drugs during the sales process to facilitate medical insurance fund settlement [2]. Group 3: Public Engagement and Compliance - A societal consensus has emerged around the principle of "verify the code before buying, scan the code before selling," with approximately 5 million consumers checking drug authenticity daily [3]. - The NHSA aims to strengthen the use of drug traceability codes for regulatory purposes and will collaborate with relevant departments to combat the resale of "returned drugs" comprehensively [3]. - The NHSA has advised that any anomalies in scanning should lead to the rejection of goods, and evidence should be collected for reporting to authorities, with penalties for those involved in the sale of "returned drugs" [2].

Core Viewpoint - The recent announcement by the National Medical Insurance Administration and other departments emphasizes the importance of implementing drug traceability codes across all medical insurance sectors to ensure drug safety and accountability [1][2]. Group 1: Drug Traceability System - The establishment of a drug traceability system is crucial for ensuring that drugs can be traced from their source to their destination, thereby safeguarding public health [1]. - The initiative aims for comprehensive collection and application of drug traceability codes in all medical insurance processes, with a goal of achieving full coverage of medical institutions [1]. Group 2: Meituan's Digital Solutions - Meituan has launched a digital solution for drug traceability in collaboration with local medical insurance bureaus, addressing challenges in online drug sales related to traceability code scanning and data uploading [1]. - The company offers a dual-track solution: a standardized API interface for large chain pharmacies and a scanning function for small and medium-sized pharmacies, which simplifies compliance and operational efficiency [2]. - By providing free technical services, Meituan aims to reduce the system development burden on pharmacies while enhancing regulatory compliance and operational efficiency [2]. Group 3: Industry Impact - Experts indicate that building an online drug traceability system is a vital component of drug traceability regulation, with digital services from third-party platforms like Meituan injecting new momentum into drug supervision [2].