National blueprint prescribes shot in the arm for drugs companies

The constant use of phrases such as "biological medicine", "healthcare reform" and "a healthy China" in the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) has encouraged pharmaceutical companies, both Chinese and foreign, to expand their development programs.

According to the plan, the move is intended "to strengthen the prevention and cure of infectious, chronic and endemic diseases", and a number of pharmaceutical manufacturers and medical supplies companies will adapt their research and development programs to fit the requirements.

"We have already adjusted the direction of our research to focus on market demand, in accordance with the plan," said Hu Jiqiang, chairman of Conba Group, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, who is a deputy to the National People's Congress.