China's Healthcare Sector, Drug Safety, and the U.S.-China Trade in Medical Products

This hearing will address three topics: How is China's healthcare sector impacting China's economy and stability, and U.S.-China economic relations? Are U.S. companies able to compete fairly in China's expanding market for drugs, medical devices, and healthcare services? And, what is being done to mitigate the safety risks associated with medical product shipments from China to the United States? Dr. Christopher J. Hickey from the Food and Drug Administration will address the FDA's latest efforts to improve the regulation of medical products manufactured in China. The hearing will also take a broader look at China's healthcare sector. China's population is aging, chronic and non-communicable diseases are proliferating, and an emerging middle class is demanding better-quality care. The Chinese government is investing to expand insurance coverage and improve care, but the country's healthcare provision remains inadequate. For major U.S. companies that market drugs, medical devices, and healthcare services, China represents an important opportunity. Market access barriers, though, are tilting the playing field against U.S. companies - a losing proposition for both the U.S. economy and Chinese patients.