Medical insurance system growing strong

Reforming a country's medical and sanitation systems can be difficult in even the most developed countries. In China, the Central Government has made the two issues a priority.

By the end of November 2009, the number of people covered by basic medical insurance grew to 390 million.

In addition to the 800 million farmers who enjoy basic rural medical insurance, China's universal medical insurance system now covers 1.2 billion people.

Meanwhile, in order to address the medical needs of retirees from bankrupt state-owned companies, the central fiscal budget earmarked 50.9 billion yuan for subsidies in 2008 and 2009.

In addition, the country adjusted existing categories of basic medical insurance, birth insurance and injury insurance, adding 260 types of medicines and treatments to the coverage.