Expanding Access and Strengthening Ties with Southeast Asia

China Launches Cross-Border Pharmaceutical Procurement Platform

China has taken a significant step towards expanding access to quality medicines and strengthening healthcare ties with Southeast Asian nations with the launch of its first cross-border pharmaceutical centralized procurement platform.

The platform, launched on January 9th in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, marks a major milestone in healthcare collaboration between China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Under the guidance of China's National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), the platform will manage the entire procurement process for medicines and medical supplies, from bulk buying to account settlement. This initiative aims to deepen cooperation with members of the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly ASEAN nations, offering new opportunities for collaboration in healthcare and enhancing the well-being of people in both regions.

The platform also aims to accelerate the development of the International Medical Opening-up Pilot Zone (China) in Fangchenggang, established in 2019 near the China-Vietnam border. This zone focuses on medical innovation and international healthcare cooperation, particularly with ASEAN nations and members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Leveraging its proximity to ASEAN countries, Guangxi plans to transform the platform into a hub for information exchange, technology sharing, trade facilitation, and talent development. This will streamline the entry of Chinese medicines and medical supplies into ASEAN markets while exploring innovative methods for overseas drug purchases.

The platform is expected to meet the needs of Guangxi residents seeking treatment outside their home province, insured individuals requiring real-time online medicine purchases, and cross-border patients from ASEAN countries. Experts and industry representatives from Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and other ASEAN nations convened with Chinese representatives for a seminar on China-ASEAN pharmaceutical procurement on the same day.