China healthcare reform stresses equity

China is stressing equitable healthcare service for all citizens.

China is stressing equitable healthcare service for all citizens.(Photo: cnr.cn)

Health Minister Chen Zhu announced at a national meeting this week that all residents have the same right to basic healthcare, and that will be the key strategy for industry reform.

The ministry also promised to set up a framework for its basic medicare network by 2010 to reduce service gaps among different regions and better allocate medical resources.

The government will be the key financial supporter and overseer of the changes.