Analysis: China’s Limits on Dispensing Pfizer’s Paxlovid Could Delay Treatment

As China’s local health centers stock up on more of the highly sought-after Covid pill, Pfizer Inc.’s antiviral Paxlovid, the still limited supply has prompted some clinics to impose strict restrictions on buyers, raising concerns that those in urgent need could face delays.

In late December, Beijing city authorities began distributing the Covid pill to local community health centers, followed by Shanghai and Guangzhou. The move comes as Covid rages across the country, prompting calls to increase the supply of different antiviral drugs to keep up with soaring demand.