After the recent hit movie, Dying to Survive, drew widespread attention to the issue of the high price of cancer drugs in China, health authorities have responded to the public's medical concerns on the issue, reported the China News Service.
On July 12, the National Health Commission (NHC) said in its response that the cost of research and development for cancer drugs is higher than for other therapies. In recent years, China’s pharmaceutical enterprises have spent a great deal of money in R&D, around US$700 million. But only about two percent of the R&D projects is successful, so the high prices of cancer drugs reflect the time and money spent on bringing products to market.
Medical insurance in China is limited. Especially when people suffer from serious illnesses, insurance does not cover all the costs, meaning patients have to make up the shortfall. Charitable assistance, supplementary insurance and commercial insurance are not effective in easing the economic burden.
The NHC also suggested that cancer patients, who are eager for a cure as soon as possible, are seeking out new treatments, transferring from one hospital to another and trying out doctors or medical treatment in different places. These processes also increase their economic pressure.
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