Authorities vow to protect drug supplies

When monopolies control ingredients in medicines, patients suffer, experts say

Authorities should intensify the fight against monopoly practices in the supply of pharmaceutical ingredients to ensure the supply of commonly used drugs, experts said.

"Price monopolies of pharmaceutical ingredients have been common in recent years, but punishment of such behavior is too lenient to stop it from occurring," said Shi Lichen, founder of Beijing Dingchen Consultancy, a medical consulting company in Beijing. "In many cases, producers raise prices by dozens of multiples, so they should be fined accordingly. They should pay heavy enough penalties."