Guangdong adds 17 anticancer drugs to medical insurance coverage

Another 17 anticancer drugs have been incorporated into Guangdong's medical insurance medicine catalog to make them more affordable for patients.

It was stated at the No 1 Document issued by the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province and the newly launched Medical Insurance Department of Guangdong Province on Oct 28.

Twelve of the drugs are used for solid tumor treatment and the other five for hematological neoplasm treatment. All are considered clinically necessary, effective and urgently needed for patients suffering from non-small-cell lung carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, melanoma and lymphoma.

After being included in the medical insurance program, the 17 drugs have seen their prices decrease by an average of 56.7 percent compared to the average retail price. Most of the imported drugs have also been priced 36 percent lower than the market price in neighboring countries and regions.

The price of Cetuximab Solution for Infusion, for example, was about 4,200 yuan ($603) in 2017, but has now dropped to 1,295 yuan following medical insurance access negotiations.

After being added to the medical insurance program, the 17 anticancer drugs have seen their prices drop by an average of 56.7 percent compared to average retail prices. [Photo/VCG]