China is poised to enhance its medical and healthcare systems in 2024, aiming to provide better and more accessible public healthcare services, particularly at the primary level. The reforms are expected to alleviate patients’ financial burdens and address key issues in the healthcare sector.
At a recent national conference on health development and healthcare reform, policymakers and practitioners discussed significant topics including public hospital reforms, drug supply chains, and medical insurance improvements. The conference culminated in the release of a comprehensive list of healthcare reform tasks for the upcoming year.
Among the proposed measures, China plans to augment its public healthcare service capacity at the primary level, reform payment systems within public hospitals, and enhance healthcare insurance systems. These steps are designed to better meet the populace’s needs and reduce medical costs across the nation.
“This year’s reforms will place greater emphasis on medical technological advancements, multi-tiered diagnosis and treatment, and the digitization of services,” said Zhu Hongbiao, an official with the National Health Commission. “Our goal is to modernize healthcare delivery and make it more efficient.”
Tackling the issue of high medical expenditures remains a critical component of China’s healthcare reform. Since 2018, the country has initiated nine rounds of bulk drug procurement programs, significantly impacting the affordability of medications. Additionally, there has been a gradual expansion in the price reform of medical services.
Health authorities anticipate that the bulk purchase program will encompass 500 medications this year. Furthermore, pilot price reforms of medical services are set to be implemented in three provincial-level regions, marking a significant step towards nationwide healthcare affordability.
These reforms reflect China’s commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens by making healthcare more accessible and affordable. The focus on primary care enhancement, insurance system improvements, and cost reduction strategies is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the country’s healthcare landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
