Under the new guideline, an online drug consumption monitoring network will be set up to determine which drugs might run out and issue timely warnings about emerging needs so that the authorities can intervene.

The guideline calls for the creation of a cross-province coordinating system to alleviate regional shortages of certain drugs.

"Usually, the list of the drugs in short supply is dynamic," said Mao Ningying, associate professor at China Pharmaceutical University, adding that "the government should figure out why and provide targeted intervention".

Zeng said a nationwide drug monitoring network will help forecast consumption trends and potential supply gaps, which will buy time for intervention.

For certain drugs, consumption is difficult to forecast, he said, adding, "We are setting up a regular stocking mechanism".

He cited pralidoxime chloride as an example. The drug has been used to treat patients with pesticide poisoning who have attempted suicide.

"It's hard to predict suicides, but we have to stock the drug to save lives," he said.

For drugs in short supply nationally, Zeng said, emergency imports will be arranged. If that doesn't work, "the authorities will assign selected drug companies to produce more", he added.