Health

Chinese are Hopeful with Government's Health Care Pledge

by Karenke4 | January 22, 2009 at 04:03 pm

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Americans aren't the only ones who have a serious case of Hope this week. China unveiled its health care reform package yesterday which pledges 850 billion yen (or 123 billion USD) towards improvements to a aging health system.

The plan vows to improve health care in China from the ground up. China currently is the home to 1.3 billion people, many of whom have suffered under the current lack of accessible health care. Poor doctor-patient relationships, high medical costs, and little insurance coverage have been the norm in China for many years. Reforms have been instituted since 1992, but changes have not fully addressed the public need.

While the drafted plan was not unanimously supported by the people of China, the newly implemented plan is much more widely accepted.

Goals of the reforms include a minimum 90 percent coverage of medical insurance, a system of "basic medicines" covered by the insurance, an improved network of local-level clinics, a better public health system and improved services in public hospitals.

Defenders of the plan say that it is much less vague than the drafted version, and includes specific goals and monetary pledges.

Calling the new plan "a good new year gift (from the government)", Li said the upcoming reforms coincide with China's efforts to build a harmonious society. "It will be a milestone during China's transition to a modern country."