CRI听力:China Launches Three-year Medical Reform Program

"In the past, we needed to queue up for both the registration and payment process. When it comes to follow-ups, we still have to stand in-line to make our payments."

Li Zhixuan from the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang is one of thousands who have to deal with long line-ups for medical care.

It's situations like hers which has prompted the government to take action to try to streamline the process.

Jiao Yahui is a leading member of China's National Health and Family Planning Division.

"We are trying to simplify our procedures for outpatient services through better information technology. At the same time, we're also going to hire more volunteers and social workers to provide individual care. We need to bridge the communication gap between doctors and patients."

Changes are already starting to take place.

Patients can now make appointments via individual hospital's WeChat accounts.

Online diagnosis of certain ailments is also being made available in advance of a trip to the doctor.

At the same time, Chinese health authorities are creating a unified appointment system throughout the country.

By the end of 2017, all in-patient procedures will have to be made via an appointment.

It's expected around half of all out-patient procedures will be pre-booked by then as well.

The new reforms are also requiring medical staff to treat emergency-room patients with or without being paid first.

Li Dachuan with the National Health and Family Planning Commission says this should help eliminate conflicts among patients and medical staff.

"When there is a medical emergency, patients shouldn't hesitate to go to the hospital, regardless of the cost. Medical institutions can no longer reject patients because of payment issues. This should lead to a more cooperative patient-doctor relationship."

New regulations are also being worked on to try to ensure more privacy when it comes to the patient's medical information.

For CRI, I am Wang Mengzhen.