China introduces new medical payment method

A new pilot program has been introduced in certain regions of China, allowing people to receive treatment without having to pay an advance deposit.

Thanks to the new payment method, patients in public hospitals in Shandong province are enjoying a better health service.

Liu Bingyan, Patient, said, "I had my surgery before any payment to the hospital."

But things were very different in the past.

Yang Yingxin, Doctor, People'S Hospital, Jinxiang County, said, "Before the trial program, an advance deposit was required before receiving treatment. Surgeries could be delayed two or three days, until the deposit was handed in. And in our profession, where even a small delay can mean the difference between life and death, this increased risk in medical emergencies."

Under the new approach, patients, especially those suffering from extreme conditions, will receive treatment first. Following which, they will only pay the portion of the cost that is not included in their insurance. The rest will be paid by the government.

So far, more than 20 provincial regions are carrying out pilot programs for the new payment method.

However, there's still a long way to go. The Ministry of Health noted on Tuesday that the new system would not be adopted nationwide in the short term, due to the country's immature social credit system and insufficient medical insurances.