110 bln yuan to be earmarked to China´s health care this year

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-09-2008 12:58

A latest survey by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that rising medical costs have become the top concern of Chinese citizens. Speaking at a meeting to discuss proposals from CPPCC members, Vice Minister of Health, Gao Qiang, revealed some of the details in the country's ongoing medical reform.

Vice Minister of Health Gao Qiang says that over 110-billion yuan will be earmarked to the country's health care sector this year. And ninety percent of the funds will be poured into China''s rural areas.

Gao Qiang says that over 110-billion yuan will be earmarked to the country's health care sector this year. And ninety percent of the funds will be poured into China's rural areas.

He also says the policies of some hospitals lead to huge flaws in the country's medical management.

Some hospitals run their own drug stores and doctors receive kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies for prescribing certain drugs.

In recent years, the excessive number of medicines prescribed to patients is partly responsible for rising medical costs and a spike in medical disputes.

Gao says these hospitals must put an end to these practices and the government will help.

Vice Minister of Health Gao Qiang said, "The government will try to find solutions for hospitals whose income fall due to reform. We will increase subsidies and adjust the cost of some medical services."

Gao Qiang also says the focus of China's medical care system is the health of China's 800-million rural residents.

He says few of the tens of thousands of students who graduate from medical colleges and schools nationwide each year choose to work in rural areas.

80 percent of China's medical resources is reportedly concentrated in big cities.

And Gao says education is the key to ease the shortage of medical professionals in rural areas.

Gao Qiang said, "The government will work on turning out more general practitioners willing to work for grassroots medical institutes and train more competent physicians for rural areas. We will not only ensure the funding of rural medical workers, but also guarantee the funding of medical infrastructure and the public health care system."

Gao says the government is accelerating the building of the country's medical insurance system. The country is trying to expand a basic medical insurance program for all citizens by 2010.

Editor:Zhang Ning