Impact of pooled procurement of medicines on patient adherence and economic burden: evidence from China

China's NVBP modestly improved adherence and significantly reduced the economic burden for patients. To fully deliver patient-centred benefits of pooled procurement for chronic disease medicines beyond price cuts, it should be paired with supply- and demand-side auxiliary measures. China's experience, including financial incentives, regulatory oversight, favourable reimbursement policies and public campaigns, may offer lessons for other settings. Longer-term studies in broader populations are needed to further research.