China has released a guideline to tackle insufficient supplies of affordable lifesaving medicines. The measure is aimed at improving the nation's drug supply system and helping to coordinate medical care reform.

Drug supply shortages have been a chronic problem in China. According to the National Health and Family Planning Commission, roughly 3,000 kinds of drugs are in common use in China, and about 130 are occasionally in short supply. Shortages mostly involve essential supplies of low-priced medicine and specialized or first-aid drugs. The shortages seriously undermine medical options and risk patients' lives. Under the new guideline, issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, the government plans to standardize the price-setting system for drugs and crack down on monopolies. A nationwide drug monitoring network will also be set up to help forecast consumption trends and potential supply gaps.