Private hospitals face challenges

The Party's decision to increase support for private hospitals presents an opportunity but with challenges, experts say, starting with access to insurance money and limits on doctors' working hours.

The broad policy approved by the Third Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China's 18th Central Committee, which ended on Nov 12, states the government should encourage the growth of medical institutions run by private companies or other NGOs.

Private hospitals are thought to be capable of competing with government-funded hospitals by providing more choices to patients. They can also help relieve pressure on an overburdened government system.