Companies with monopoly positions possess the power to raise prices without adversely affecting demand for its products - consumers and clients have no choice but to purchase from that firm or firms. China's National Development and Reform Commission says that ultimately, the patients pay the price.

Deputy Director Li Qing from NDRC’s anti-monopoly department said: "The production cost of downstream enterprises have been risen by monopolies. The price for pills to combat high blood pressure has risen by about 40 cents per pill. Ultimately, that puts a heavy burden on patients."

Source:cntv.cn