Public Outcry Over Ineffective Generic Drugs Sparks Government Response in China

In China, rising public anger regarding the ineffectiveness of generic drugs has prompted a rare government reaction, according to multiple state media reports. Doctors have expressed concerns that the country's drug procurement system incentivizes the use of cheaper generic medications at the expense of patient safety. Officials maintain that claims of ineffectiveness are largely anecdotal.

The controversy began in December 2022 with the announcement of contracts awarded to nearly 200 domestic generic drug manufacturers for public hospitals. The discourse intensified when a hospital director in Shanghai shared alarming cases of ineffective drugs used in treatment, resulting in widespread discussion on social media, much of which has since been censored.

Public concern is further compounded by the accessibility of imported pharmaceuticals considered higher quality but difficult to obtain under the current system. Experts have called for improvements in drug quality control, with one public health academic noting, "the national centralized procurement is still in its infancy." As China's healthcare system grapples with mounting pressures, the effectiveness and safety of generic medications remain a critical issue.