China issues guideline to prevent drug shortages

China has released a guideline to tackle shortages in certain medicines.

The measure is aimed at improving the nation's drug supply system and helping to coordinate the systematic reform of medical care and health insurance, Zeng Yixin, vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, said on Wednesday.

The guideline has been issued by nine government departments, including the health commission, National Development and Reform Commission, and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

Roughly 3,000 kinds of drugs are in common use in China, of which 130 are occasionally in short supply, according to Zeng.

"That's mainly due to the market gap between supply and demand," he said. "Thanks to joint efforts, 50 of the 130 are currently in regular supply."