63.5% of County Hospitals Now Operate at Tertiary Level Capacity
China’s healthcare reform has achieved significant progress, with 1,309 county hospitals nationwide now operating at tertiary hospital standards, serving over half of China’s population, according to the latest National Health Commission report.
Key Achievements
| Indicator | Progress |
|---|---|
| County hospitals at tertiary level | 1,309 (63.57%) |
| County hospitals at secondary level | 93.35% |
| Standardized treatment capability | 98% for common diseases |
| Leading county medical communities | 90% of county hospitals |
Case Study: Jinzhai County’s Transformation
The mountainous county in Anhui’s Dabie Mountains has become a model for healthcare reform:
- Established 7 regional medical sub-centers
- Implemented hierarchical referral system
- County hospital leaders serve as directors
- 10% decrease in county hospital visits
- 20% increase in grassroots diagnosis
Financial Improvements
Jinzhai County’s medical insurance fund:
- Transformed from ¥80 million deficit to ¥33.16 million surplus
- Sponsored 3,585 external expert consultations
- Implemented special subsidies for cancer patients
Emergency Care Advancements
Renshou County in Sichuan has:
- Built 5 emergency centers (stroke, trauma, etc.)
- Reduced myocardial infarction mortality from 10% to 3.1%
- Invested ¥196 million in infrastructure
- Established efficient green channels
Challenges Remain
Despite progress:
- Grassroots diagnosis proportion dropped 10% since 2009
- Shortage of professional talents persists
- Limited outpatient reimbursement affects choices
Shenzhen’s TCM Community Model
Innovative approaches include:
- 21 grassroots medical groups established
- 75% medical insurance reimbursement for community services
- 10+ TCM techniques available locally
- Night clinics serving until 9pm
Expert Commentary
“The key is strengthening both hardware and software at grassroots levels,” said Professor Liu Yuanli of Peking Union Medical College. “With 140 million diabetes and 250 million hypertension patients, we must make community care more trustworthy.”
The reforms demonstrate China’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all citizens, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while addressing systemic challenges through innovative solutions.
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