Source: CCTV.com

04-07-2009 10:04

Let's take a look back at the history of China's health care reforms.

The history of China's health care reforms

In 1985, hospitals were allowed to run and finance themselves, and reforms were made to the way hospitals charged. But one consequence of this was a heavier burden on patients.

In 1996, the government stressed social benefit should become the priority, not the hospital's income. In 1998, the country introduced a comprehensive medical insurance program, covering all urban residents, including children and the unemployed.

In 2000, the Ministry of Health asked hospitals to be divided into profitable and non-profitable ones. China decided to reform the medical system in rural areas in 2002.

In 2006, the country set up a coordination group to study problems in the country's medical reform. 2 years later, a draft version of the new reform scheme was issued for public debate.

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Editor:Xiong Qu