By Jiang Yu, Department of Macroeconomic Research of DRC

Research Report No 104, 2015 (Total 4789)

Abstract:

The government-run public hospital is in line with the universally adopted medical security system around the world. Since the beginning of the 21st century, with regard to problems incurred from government's encouragement on market competition to slash its investment in medical fields, some European countries and US have increased their expenditure on medical care and public health, and launched reforms on healthcare management system, so as to enhance coordination between its fund-raising and service functions. Besides, they have promoted the integration of resources within the healthcare service system, built a comprehensive assessment and accountability system, strengthened hospital quality control and treatment evaluation, set up medical information system, improved management efficiency as well as budget control of public hospital, and enhanced the role of patients in hospital management. All these measures have enabled public hospitals to take on a new look and struck a balance between equity and efficiency. China could draw some experience from the international practice in conducting public hospital reforms, including strengthening government responsibility, enhancing performance examination and evaluation, constructing an integrated healthcare system and improving information connectivity.