The State Council released the national basic drug list for grassroots medical institutions (including community and rural clinics) along with the accompanying policy: Administrative Methods for the National Basic Drug List\\\' August 18, according to the central government website, www.gov.cn.

The State Council released the national basic drug list for grassroots medical institutions (including community and rural clinics) along with the accompanying policy: Administrative Methods for the National Basic Drug List\\\' August 18, according to the central government website, www.gov.cn. There are approximately 250 types of chemical and biological drugs, as well as 100 types of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) finished dosages included on the national basic drug list. (Some drugs, such as various versions of steroid hormones are listed in the text of the policy rather than on the list itself.) Unformulated TCMs that meet national standards are also regarded as national basic drugs. The supplementary drug list for tier-two and tier-three medical institutions will be released as soon as possible in accordance with the public hospital pilot reform. According to the Methods, All drugs included on the list should be indexed in the PRC Pharmacopoeia. Chemical and biological drugs on the national basic drug list are classified by clinical pharmacology, while TCM finished dosages are classified by function. Meanwhile, the type and number of basic drugs will be adjusted every three years.