All six of the rural medical clinics in Beicai County, Pudong
New Area, Shanghai, have been renovated - part of a program that
has seen 603 rural clinics modernized and refurbished.
"We have also started to launch a medical insurance scheme for
farmers who can get 85 percent of their medical expenses to an
annual maximum of 5,000 yuan (US$666) refunded for out-patient care
and 50,000 yuan for hospital treatment. Those suffering from
serious diseases can receive a refund of up to 30,000 yuan," said
Xi Deqiang, governor of Beicai County. "Every clinic has a cell
phone that can provide 24-hour consultation and advice to
callers."
Under a three-year plan ending next year, Shanghai will complete
the renovation of 1,000 rural clinics which will provide better
medical treatment for farmers.
A standard rural clinic will now be equipped with a diagnosis
room, a pharmacy, a health education room, a treatment room, an
injection room and an information management room. A standard
village clinic should have at least 60 square meters in floor space
and central clinics serving more than one village should have no
less than 120 square meters in floor space.
(Shanghai Daily October 25, 2007)