China should invest more in researching and developing new drugs, as well as intellectual property protection, even though generic versions of existing brand-name drugs can bring short-term benefits, said Margaret Chan, former director-general of the World Health Organization.

Chan made the remark on Thursday after watching the Chinese box-office hit Dying to Survive, a film about a man smuggling cheap versions of leukemia medications from India for resale to patients in China.

The film triggered a written instruction from the central government highlighting the urgency of reducing drug prices and ensuring adequate supplies as public discussion heated up after its release.

She called on the government to roll out more regulations to protect the intellectual property of research-based drug manufacturers to foster innovation.

At the State Council's executive meeting on Wednesday, the expansion of direct settlements for transprovincial medical expenses was approved. The new measure primarily benefits migrant workers and entrepreneurs.

Source：Chinadaily