Zhejiang Signs Nearly RMB 10 Billion in Medical Procurement Deals at CIIE

　　【Pharmaceutical Network Industry DynamicsThe Sixth International Import Expo is the focus of recent attention in the industry. It was reported that during this year's Expo, the 2023 Zhejiang Province Import Pharmaceuticals, Medical Consumables, and Medical Devices Intentional Procurement Signing Ceremony, jointly organized by the Zhejiang Provincial Healthcare Security Administration and three other departments, was held in Hangzhou, reaching nearly 10 billion yuan in intended agreements.
 

This signing ceremony was held in three categories: international imported medicines, international imported medical consumables, and imported medical devices. Among these, the Zhejiang Province Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Procurement Center signed procurement intentions with imported medicine suppliers such as Bayer, Novartis, and Sanofi, as well as imported medical consumable suppliers like Medtronic and Abbott. Additionally, eight hospitals within Zhejiang Province, including the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, signed procurement intentions with international suppliers of imported medical devices such as GE Healthcare, Philips, and Siemens.

 

Thanks to the CIIE, many imported drugs, imported medical consumables, and imported medical devices will accelerate their entry into the Zhejiang market. Among them, Boston Scientific China and the Zhejiang Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Procurement Center are planning to sign a 360 million yuan agreement for medical consumables, which will continue to meet the unmet clinical needs at the grassroots level in Zhejiang.
 

At the CIIE, many signed multinational enterprises showcased their innovative achievements and technologies on-site. For example, Medtronic held the launch event for the new phase of China's CIED remote follow-up program and simultaneously displayed a series of innovative cardiac products, including the MyCareLink™ Remote Follow-up System, Micra™ VR2 and Micra™ AV2, and the TYRX™ Absorbable Antibacterial Envelope, providing intelligent solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmia in China.
 

Johnson & Johnson showcased over a hundred innovative products from its Medical Technology and Innovative Pharmaceutical businesses at the exhibition. The products cover various disease areas, including surgery, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, high-incidence tumors, orthopedics, eye health, immunology, mental illnesses, infectious diseases, and rare diseases. Among the highlighted products are the "global debut" STSF DE Pulse/Radiofrequency Dual-Energy Ablation Catheter for treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and the "China debut" EMBOGUARD Balloon Guiding Catheter for acute ischemic stroke treatment.
 

Boston Scientific showcased multiple innovative products in key areas such as weight health and cardiac health. Among them, the Orbera intragastric balloon for obesity was exhibited for the first time in China at this CIIE. It is understood that the product can be inserted into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope. By occupying part of the stomach's volume, it reduces food intake, delays gastric emptying, and enhances satiety, thereby achieving healthy weight management.
 

GE Healthcare showcased Vscan Air, a portable wireless dual-probe ultrasound making its debut in China. This compact and lightweight device is a high-performance ultrasound that is easy to carry, enabling doctors to perform full-body scans on patients anytime, anywhere. It is suitable for use in primary care and rural hospitals across China, allowing patients to benefit from timely and accurate diagnostic services.
 

It is reported that, in order to continuously benefit from the spillover effects of the CIIE, Zhejiang has jointly organized the intention signing ceremony for the procurement of imported medicines, medical consumables, and medical devices with the Provincial Medical Insurance Bureau, Provincial Health Commission, and Provincial Economic and Information Technology Department for six consecutive years. This intention signing event demonstrates Zhejiang's determination to actively open its market to the world, expand imports, and share the dividends of openness with the world. Going forward, Zhejiang will also make full use of the four major platform functions of the CIIE — international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and open cooperation — to further enhance achievements in transaction amounts, investment results, and more.
 

Disclaimer: In no event shall the information or opinions expressed in this article constitute investment advice to any person.