China

Following China's movement to a more market-oriented economy, its healthcare system has been in flux. Provision is minimal in rural areas, and 79% of rural citizens are uninsured. Out of pocket payments are high. Substandard drugs are rife. The communist Party is currently instituting reforms which will see far greater central control over the healthcare system and pharmaceutical supply system. China is becoming an emerging centre for foreign multinationals to conduct R&D. There is also a major local manufacturing industry, although there are problems with quality control. The government, however, has pledged to improve the quality of medicines. China still inflates the price of imports with 5% tariffs, despite more generally dropping trade barriers since prior to its accession to the WTO. China is also a major manufacturer of active ingredients for pharmaceuticals, which it exports globally.