What to focus on in a global public health crisis? Saving lives or chasing profit? Different countries and interest groups have given different answers. One latest example has happened in China. Pfizer's COVID treatment drug, Paxlovid, did not make it into China's national medical insurance program, as the negotiation between China's National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) and Pfizer failed because of the drug's high price. On multiple international occasions, the US tends to brag about its international contributions and global leadership, including its leading and generous role in the battle against the pandemic. However in specific cases, US capital forces tend to show their business expansionism and insistence on maximizing their interests. For them, everything can be put on the trading table and profit always comes first. In terms of adding Paxlovid in its insurance system, China has already showed flexibility. The NHSA said Paxlovid would continue to be eligible to be paid for by state medical insurance until March 31. But if we talk about putting the drug in the insurance system, comprehensive factors, especially the charge, must be pondered carefully. It is only natural for China to bargain for an appropriate price, because the money comes from taxpayers, it comes from the Chinese people, Shen Yi, a professor at Fudan University, told Global Times. At this point, caution is needed to prevent one medicine company to drain the entire pool of China, Shen added. 

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What to focus on in a global public health crisis? Saving lives or chasing profit? Different countries and interest groups have given different answers. One latest example has happened in China. Pfizer's COVID treatment drug, Paxlovid, did not make it into China's national medical insurance program, as the negotiation between China's National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) and Pfizer failed because of the drug's high price. On multiple international occasions, the US tends to brag about its international contributions and global leadership, including its leading and generous role in the battle against the pandemic. However in specific cases, US capital forces tend to show their business expansionism and insistence on maximizing their interests. For them, everything can be put on the trading table and profit always comes first. In terms of adding Paxlovid in its insurance system, China has already showed flexibility. The NHSA said Paxlovid would continue to be eligible to be paid for by state medical insurance until March 31. But if we talk about putting the drug in the insurance system, comprehensive factors, especially the charge, must be pondered carefully. It is only natural for China to bargain for an appropriate price, because the money comes from taxpayers, it comes from the Chinese people, Shen Yi, a professor at Fudan University, told Global Times. At this point, caution is needed to prevent one medicine company to drain the entire pool of China, Shen added.