The China Council announced the launch of a new project named Electronic Certificate of Analysis (eCOA) between AstraZeneca China, Ali Health, and Distributors, and another initiative focusing on the Digitalization of Medical Service under its Health Working Group.

Through business collaboration across the industrial chain of the pharmaceutical industry, these works aim to promote sustainable healthcare and digital transformation in China, deliver better care and eco-friendly concepts to more patients in an environmentally sustainable way.

At the ceremony in Shanghai, representatives and founding members of the SMI China Council shared their ongoing collaborative projects and best practices, demonstrating the Initiative’s ability to convene diverse partners to advance a more sustainable, digital, and low-carbon healthcare system in China.

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, M.V.O., CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, said: “The launch of the Medical Service Workstream, complemented by the eCOA project, marks a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable healthcare in China. By bringing together global pharmaceutical leaders and digital innovators, the SMI China Council continues to transform ambition into action driving low-carbon solutions, enhancing digital efficiency, and expanding equitable care across the healthcare ecosystem.”

Sun Xiao, Secretary General of the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), stated: “The Health Working Group should focus on maximising the value of existing outcomes, while deepening work in three areas, namely decarbonising supply chains, medical services, and international trade. We aim to accelerate technology application, host regular showcases and advocacy activities, and strengthen the participation and sense of achievement among members. HWG will continue to promote sustainable development through concrete actions in the healthcare sector.”

Lin Xiao, CEO of AstraZeneca China, said: “Today, we gather once again to release new progress and action initiatives, demonstrating our shared determination to turn vision into measurable, replicable, and scalable practices. AstraZeneca will continue to work hand in hand with all members of the working group to deepen collaboration on green supply chains, promote sustainable healthcare practices, accelerate green international trade, and support the working group in carrying out high-quality, sustainable industry-wide initiatives.”

Guo Ting, General Manager of China Resources Pharmaceutical Commercial Group, stated: “The sustainable development of the pharmaceutical industry is a continued commitment to safeguarding lives. As a state-owned enterprise, China Resources Pharmaceutical Commercial Group will continue to use the SMI platform to deepen cooperation with AstraZeneca and other global partners in areas such as green supply chains, access to innovative medicines, and public health system development, turning the “Healthy China” Action Plan into a tangible reality for patients.”

In 2024, Ali Health joined forces with AstraZeneca, Merck, and Novo Nordisk to launch the “Pharmaceutical Companies’ Initiative for the Digitisation of Drug Distribution Materials". By transitioning the paper documentation required throughout the drug distribution process to compliant electronic formats, HWG aims to reduce paper consumption and support low-carbon, efficient, and sustainable healthcare. This year, in collaboration with Alibaba Group and distributor partners, HWG member companies are advancing the digitisation of paper documentation in pharmaceutical distribution, using electronic drug inspection reports as our entry point through the launch of eCOA project. This project will conserve vast quantities of paper and reduce environmental burdens to drive green transformation within individual enterprises while leveraging the SMI platform to foster industry-wide participation, seeking to build a low-carbon, intelligent, and sustainable future for healthcare sector.

In addition to the launch of the eCOA project, HWG also announced another progress on digital medical service, which is the release of the Medical Service Workstream Initiative by Sanofi China, Merck China, Novo Nordisk China, and AstraZeneca China. The initiative focuses on three targets: showcasing green technologies, accelerating digital transformation, and measuring and reducing the carbon footprint of medical practices. The ultimate goal is to build a smarter, greener, and more resilient healthcare ecosystem in China.

1. Showcase and promote green innovation technologies: Encourage the sharing of implemented innovation and digitalisation case studies to advance their application within clinical settings.

2. Accelerate digital marketing transformation: Leverage digital channels to enhance customer engagement efficiency and drive industry-wide marketing model transformation.

3. Measure and reduce healthcare carbon footprint: Take common chronic diseases (such as diabetes) as the starting point, and establish a quantitative assessment system for the environmental impact of healthcare activities. Identify key environmental impact areas within clinical pathways and jointly explore action plans to achieve a sustainable, green, and low-carbon healthcare system.