Latest Health Care Reform Draft Details Government Responsibilities
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
The new draft of China's health care reform plan was released on Oct. 14 to solicit public opinion for the second time. It systematically addresses the reform's direction, objectives, principles and major measures. Zhu Chang-Hao, vice-chairman of the China Association of Pharmaceutical Commerce, sees the biggest highlight as the government's clear definition of responsibilities for the first time, realistically sharing the investment load between the central and local governments at all levels. However, some parts are not clearly spelled out: for instance, the plan does not indicate how to dissociate profits between health care services and medicines, or how to balance the interests among national taxes, health care institutions, physicians, pharmaceutical companies and patients. Analysts note the reform will help to strengthen domestic growth and economic stability. (Click here for more - Chinese Language)