China consults on healthcare reform proposals
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
China has asked the public to comment on proposed healthcare system reforms. A 13,500-word document, written in Chinese and posted on the website of the National Development Reform Commission (shs.mdrc.gov.cn/yg), lists five priorities: hastening the establishment of a universal healthcare system (which it hopes to have in place by 2020); establishing a basic drug system; improving the grassroots health service network; to ensure equality between rural and urban healthcare provision; and speeding up the reform of government hospitals. The gap in health provision for rural and urban dwellers is cited in the document as a major cause for concern, reports China Daily. The proposal is said to recommend that large, well-equipped urban hospitals extend help to rurally-based facilities, such as by providing personnel training, technical support and “equipment assistance”.