BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Here are the highlights of China's health news from the past week:

-- China greenlights hyaluronic acid as food additive

China has approved hyaluronic acid as new food material, meaning it can be used as a food additive, according to a recent announcement made by the top health authority.

The National Health Commission has organized a safety assessment of the material and approved it, based on relevant laws and regulations.

Hyaluronic acid is widely used in skincare products. It is said to help firm the skin and reduce wrinkles.

-- China to expand insurance-covered medical service

China has unveiled new regulations, encouraging more medical institutions and retail pharmacies to link up with the country's medical insurance system for reimbursements.

Licensed medical institutions and retail pharmacies that have been in operation for at least three months can apply for a tie-up with the medical insurance scheme, said the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA).

-- China's health insurance coverage for COVID-19 patients tops 1.6 bln yuan

More than 1.6 billion yuan (247.5 million U.S. dollars) worth of medical expenses for COVID-19 patients was covered by China's medical insurance funds last year, according to official data.

By adding medical supplies and medicines used in COVID-19 treatment to the medical insurance coverage catalog, prices for nucleic acid test and antibody test reagents have been reduced by more than 70 percent and 40 percent, respectively, said Hu Jinglin, head of the NHSA. Enditem

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