China to set up medicare system covering all

Health care is one of the major concerns in China. The government work report to the annual NPC session says there is now an initial scheme for the reform of its medical and health care system. China's top health official spoke to CCTV about the plan for reform.

Chinese Health Minister Chen Zhu said, "We are to set up a basic medical and health care system that can cover all rural and urban residents."

China's health minister has listed the priorities for the country's reform on its medical and health care system.

Chinese Health Minister Chen Zhu said, "We will be focusing on establishing four systems. They're public health service, medical service, medical care guarantee, and national basic drug system."

The reform scheme highlights public welfare.

It also strengthens the government's responsibility and input.

Health Minister Chen Zhu has also spoken about goals for deepening the reform.

They are to set up a basic medical and health care system that can cover all rural and urban residents.

To provide the public with medical care services that are safe, effective, convenient and cheap.

And to speed up the process that every member of society is entitled to basic medical care service.

Chen Zhu said, "I think medical care service should be an active one in the future. Doctors should not just wait for patients to go and see you. Instead, they should deliver their service to those whenever they're in need."

The minister has not disclosed the timetable.

Instead, he stresses that reform is a process that takes time and is not just about making changes to a scheme.