By Ge Yanfeng, the Research Department of Social Development

Research Report No 104, 2006

Abstract:

Germany is a country with social insurance as its main funding mode for medical treatment and public health, and it puts public service at the forefront of its system. It has high standards in the development of its sanitary business and is a highly efficient organizer, but it is faced with problems such as rising costs with related reforms now undergoing further exploration. Some of Germany experiences are worthwhile for China to examine. Firstly, the government should better play a leading role; secondly, the public benefits of the service system can be ensured; thirdly, competing interests should be reasonably balanced; fourthly, rising costs should be effectively controlled.