CHENGDU, Dec. 22 (NBD) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced the work for deepening the medical system reform over the next five years at an executive meeting of the State Council on Wednesday. 

Next year, China will endeavor to promote comprehensive reform at public hospitals of various kinds at all levels, build vertical medical treatment combinations and healthcare service communities, and reduce prices of medicines, medical consumables, and medical checks to curb unreasonable growth of medical expenses. Meanwhile, the country will raise prices of items that reflect the value of medical expertise, such as diagnosis, operation, rehabilitation, nursing, and TCM services, in an effort to motivate medical staff. 

During the 13th five-year plan period, family doctor services registration will be expanded, and residents can sign up on a voluntary basis. Hierarchical medical diagnosis and treatment systems of different kinds will be put in trial operation in more than 85% of prefectures and cities in 2017. 

China, meanwhile, will promote the reform of medical insurance payment system by introducing payment by disease and a mix of multiple payment methods. Out-of-town medical treatment expenses compliant with regulations concerning patient transfer is expected to be settled directly next year. 

Cao Jian, a researcher with the Research Center for Healthcare Management, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University, told NBD that prices of many medical services don't show the expertise value of medical staff. Offsetting increased medical service prices with reduced expenses on consumables and drugs won't increase the burden of patients and compromise the health insurance system.