China’s medicinal power

China is the world’s most important provider of the raw materials used to make cheap medicines. Ingredients of essential medications like cancer drugs, antibiotics and painkillers are all produced in China. For some active ingredients, worldwide production takes place in only one Chinese factory.

What consequences does a monopoly like this have on patients, and what do increasing medicine shortages have to do with it?

ZEMBLA investigates the world’s dependence on China for its medication.

Why aren’t your medicines always available at the Pharmacy?: