Hospitals get access to new cancer drugs

17 products have been introduced in basic medical insurance program

The latest 17 cancer drugs included in China's national basic medical insurance program in October are now available in more than half of all major hospitals in China, the top health authority said on Thursday.

The National Health Commission instructed major hospitals across China in late October to buy the drugs as quickly as possible so patients will not have to wait, Song Shuli, spokeswoman of the National Health Commission, said at a news conference.