China to strengthen emergency medical service

The National Health and Family Planning Commission released a circular on Tuesday calling for better emergency services.

The circular bans hospitals and first-aid squads from refusing or delaying emergency medical service because patients cannot pay or their identity is not clear.

Medical institutes are required to provide timely treatment and assistance to the seriously ill or injured who cannot afford to pay.

The circular asks local authorities to set up first aid funds and specify rules on the ways the fund can be used.

China's cabinet, the State Council, also asked local governments to set up first aid funds.