Shanghai now allows hospitals to prescribe more brand-name drugs instead of being limited to generics. Good news β brand-name drugs typically have more consistent quality.
The catch: insurance still reimburses at the generic price. Patients pay the difference, which can be significant.
If you were happy with generics, nothing changes. If you prefer brand-name, you now have the option β but you'll pay extra. Talk to your doctor about whether the brand-name makes a meaningful difference for each specific medication. More choice is better, but calling it a "loosening" without mentioning the cost shift feels incomplete.