China to crack down on anti-COVID drug related violations

(ECNS) -- China will launch a targeted campaign from January to June to secure stable prices and good quality of COVID-19 related drugs and medical supplies, according to an official of the country's top market watchdog.

Luo Wen, head of the State Administration for Market Regulation, stressed on Wednesday that China will spare no efforts to crack down on price gouging, hoarding, illegal advertising, false publicity, counterfeit goods, and other violations regarding anti-COVID-19 supplies.

Given that China will downgrade management of COVID-19 to Class B from Jan. 8, 2023, the supply and demand of related drugs and medical supplies will be kept in tight balance, Luo said.

Over the past month, price and quality complaints about anti-COVID drugs received by the 12315 consumer dispute resolution platform have increased by 528 percent from the previous month, and the number may continue to rise in the future, he added.

At this critical juncture, the targeted crackdown is significant to the country's anti-COVID measures, people's livelihood and market stability, he said.

He suggested the launch of an emergency response mechanism and immediate response during the campaign.