Source: CCTV.com

04-08-2009 13:43

China has unveiled a sweeping medical care reform plan, which aims to bring basic healthcare to all. Authorities from the Ministry of Health and other relevant departments said at Wednesday's press conference that the necessary funds will come from central and local governments.

Wang Jun, Vice Minister of Finance

Fair and affordable health services for all is the centerpiece of the country's recently-released medical reform blueprint. To realize that goal, the Chinese government plans to invest 850 billion yuan over the next three years.

Vice Minister of Finance Wang Jun says the central budget will contribute 331.8 billion yuan. The rest of the money will come from local governments' investment. And he says the public does not need to worry about the adequacy of funding.

Wang Jun, Vice Minister of Finance said "We took into full account the financial situation of local governments when we drafted the plans. And local governments have listed the health service sector as an important social welfare project and plan to increase investment in it. The central government will also set up an effective incentive mechanism to increase the enthusiasm of local governments to step up their investment in the health service sector."