From China Brief:
Since the disassembly of its comprehensive pre-1979 healthcare system, China has sought to shape and reshape the national healthcare system in an attempt to keep pace with rapid social and economic reforms. While reforms have been ongoing for over 10 years, an overhaul of the healthcare system appears to be in the works with vibrant public debate regarding which international healthcare models to emulate. The government has formed several ad hoc government coordinating committees to review options and offer informed recommendations to senior leaders on different aspects of the healthcare system. Despite senior leaders stating their concerns and setting lofty targets in a “five-year health plan,” reforms have been slow in coming. Commentators have indicated that up to 18 different government departments and offices have responsibility and investments in the healthcare system, causing protracted negotiations and heated debates behind closed doors over an outcome that will undoubtedly favor certain stakeholders at the expense of others. [Full Text]
Drew Thompson is the Director of China Studies and Starr Senior Fellow at The Nixon Center in Washington, DC.
