More talks sought to drop cancer drug costs

The country's top medical insurance regulator plans more talks with pharmaceutical companies to lower the prices of cancer drugs, following negotiations last year that are thought to have benefited a large number of patients.

In October, 17 cancer-related medications were introduced to China's basic medical insurance program, meaning they would be eligible for reimbursement, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration.

As of year's end, about 45,000 reimbursed payments for these drugs totaling 256 million yuan ($38 million) had been processed, said Xiong Xianjun, head of the administration's department that compiles the insurance program list. He spoke on Tuesday.