New list is just the medicine for better, healthier treatment

Availability of key drugs gets boost as services enhanced

Another 187 medicines, including 22 specifically for children and 12 to fight cancer, will be added to the national list of essential medicines, bringing the number of items on the list to 685, double the figure for 2009, the year it was introduced.

The move was determined at a State Council executive meeting, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang on Aug 30, to further improve the access to essential medicine and push forward medical reform, a statement released after the meeting said. Experts also said it will strengthen basic medical services for the public.