Considerations on fundamental issues in establishing a universal coverage system for health in China

This study discusses basic health services in China. In this study common sense and international experience in establishing a high-performing health system were introduced. Five components are identified: basic qualified human resources for health; basic infrastructure; essential medicines; essential technology and procedures; and basic service pathways. Recommendations were presented based upon the Chinese situation. They are: increase public financing and lower private out-of-pocket payment for services; revitalize the functions of public facilities; merge different health financing schemes; co-ordinate public fiscal and pricing policies; prioritize public financing to preventive and primary healthcare; establish and strengthen the partnership between public and private facilities and insurance schemes; and re-organize the administrative system in health-based upon the rules of simplicity, unity, and efficiency.