China's State Council issued a plan Monday on medical reform during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020).

Signed and approved by Premier Li Keqiang, the plan includes diagnosis and treatment systems, hospital administration, medical security, medical supplies, and a regulatory system.

A multi-tiered diagnosis and treatment system commensurate with Chinese conditions should be basically in place by 2020, encouraging patients to go to community clinics for initial diagnosis and treatment.

An "efficient and well-regulated" modern hospital administration system with "clear-cut responsibilities" should also be established by 2020.

An efficient medical security system that covers the entire population is needed with an improved fund raising mechanism, reform of insurance payments, portability of the basic medical insurance across different localities, and improved insurance for major diseases.

The plan also stressed a "streamlined and orderly" medical supply system.

Email: lansuying@nbd.com.cn