China mulls law to strengthen medical insurance system

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers are reviewing a draft law on medical insurance that is expected to improve the country's universal basic medical insurance system.

The draft law was submitted on Tuesday to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the national legislature, for its first reading.

According to Zhang Ke, head of the National Healthcare Security Administration, the draft includes a dedicated chapter that outlines the framework of the medical security system.

It clearly defines the coverage, funding mechanisms, and benefit guarantees for basic medical insurance for urban employees, basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents, and maternity insurance, Zhang said.

The draft also includes provisions to ensure the safe and stable operation of the medical insurance fund, with strengthened oversight of its revenue and expenditure management.