Medical reform opens to public debate

Public input is being solicited for China's long-awaited public medical reform. The draft plan, issued on 14th of October, is a step towards setting up a satisfactory universal medical system by 2020.

By setting a goal of a universal public medical system by 2020, the reform promises an efficient, safe, convenie

nt and affordable medical service to all Chinese.

The five priorities are speeding up the establishment of a universal healthcare system, a basic medicine pricing system, improving the grassroots health service network, equal public health service for rural and urban residents, and reform trials in state-run hospitals.

Efforts will also be made to strengthen disease prevention and rural health care reform, and equal development of traditional Chinese medicine equal and western medicine.

Lawmakers are also insisting the reform of public medical institutions should emphasize public service and operate on a non-profit basis.

China first started reforming health care in 1992 to abolish a system under which the government covered more than 90 percent of expenses.

But this became inadequate as the country switched to a market-oriented medical system.

A new round of reform started in 2006. The draft will be open for public debate until Nobember 14th. People can visit the website, http://shs.ndrc.gov.cn/yg or send a fax at 86-10-88653150 to leave suggestions and comments.