Public Anger Grows Over Ineffective Generic Drugs in China

Public discontent in China is rising over the effectiveness of generic drugs used in state hospitals, prompting a government response. Concerns began in December when a list of suppliers for state hospitals was released, with many domestic generic manufacturers included. The situation escalated following a viral video featuring Dr. Zheng Minhua, who highlighted specific ineffective medications, resonating with patients who shared their negative experiences online. Despite this, the National Healthcare Security Administration defended the quality of these drugs, stating that an investigation found no substantial evidence to support claims of ineffectiveness. They attributed the public's concerns to subjective perceptions rather than clinical findings. However, public skepticism remains high as officials struggle to restore trust in the healthcare system amid ongoing challenges of an aging population.