<b>Study on China's Pharmaceutical Separation Reform: Policy Evolution, Implementation Effects, and Optimization Paths</b><b></b>
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Keywords

Pharmaceutical Separation
Healthcare Reform
Implementation Effect
Medical Insurance Synergy

Categories

How to Cite

1.
YI Z. Study on China’s Pharmaceutical Separation Reform: Policy Evolution, Implementation Effects, and Optimization Paths. JPHPM. 2025;1(2):81-87. doi:10.64904/fpm25007

Abstract

Objective
As a core initiative of China's healthcare reform, the policy of "separation of prescribing and dispensing" (SPD) aims to break the drug-supported medical system, standardize medical practices, reduce patients' medication burden, and promote high-quality development of healthcare. However, existing research lacks a holistic analysis of the policy's evolution and its long-term effects, especially in the context of urban–rural disparities and population mobility. This study systematically examines the policy logic, implementation effectiveness, and optimization pathways of SPD to support decision-making in medical governance.

Methods
Guided by problem-oriented and systematic thinking, this study combines quantitative analysis of policy texts with multi-dimensional empirical data. It delineates the four-stage evolution of SPD ("Exploratory Launch – Deepened Pilots – Comprehensive Breakthroughs – Collaborative Deepening"), constructs a three-dimensional evaluation system, and analyzes core contradictions with emphasis on urban–rural divides and cross-regional healthcare challenges.

Results
The study reveals the internal logic and dynamic mechanisms of SPD's phased evolution. Evaluation results indicate that the reform has contributed to drug price regulation and resource optimization, but long-term issues such as service accessibility and systemic innovation remain insufficiently addressed. Key challenges include coordination between medical insurance systems and the impact of population mobility, highlighting the need for integrated institutional design.

Conclusions
The study proposes a "three-in-one" pathway integrating "interest severance, medical insurance synergy, and regulatory innovation" to optimize SPD. By refining policy adjustments and strengthening systemic coordination, the reform can better balance stakeholder interests, improve the efficiency and equity of the healthcare system, and offer theoretical and practical support for advancing China's medical reform.

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References

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