China is restructuring its healthcare as it considers this the countrys most important strategic investment for the future. PUBLIC hospitals should allocate more of their medical resources to the ordinary people rather than set up special or VIP medical centres for the rich, some policymakers told Chinas parliament session in March. Of course, rich people have the freedom to buy premium service, but they should get it from private hospitals, said Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference representative Feng Shiliang. This is fair comment as many provincial and city-level government hospitals offer VIP services where those who can pay are given preference for treatment. Last year, the Chinese Health Ministry introduced a healthcare reform aimed at establishing a medical care system that is affordable and exceptional in service. The restructuring, however, has been hampered by high medical costs and lack of good community hospitals and health insurance coverage. Past reforms ...
Comments