context: It has taken four years to confirm the final version of the law, and it is expected to serve as an overarching framework for other healthcare laws in specific areas. It is also an important step to achieve public health targets outlined in ‘Healthy China 2030’.
Five days after the fourth review of Basic Healthcare and Health Promotion Law, NPC (National People’s Congress) gave its final approval on 28 Dec 2019. The law will become effective on 1 Jun 2020, reports The Beijing News. Three revisions were made within the last five days, including
- informed consent for surgery no longer has to be in writing
- training for doctors must be standardised
- emergency services must not require upfront payments
The new law serves as a comprehensive basis for healthcare, says Guangming Daily. Yuan Jie 袁杰 NPC Legislative Affairs Commission Administrative Law Department director notes that much emphasis has been laid on grassroots healthcare, including
- prioritising support for healthcare institutions below the county level
- promoting grassroots healthcare development through multi-level care
- increasing funding for grassroots healthcare and healthcare in remote areas
Other measures to cope with healthcare resource inequality include encouraging non-state healthcare and expanding public health services, Liu Xuanlin 刘炫麟 China Health Law Association deputy secretary points out.
The press conference held on 28 Dec 2019 announcing the passage of the law was completely overshadowed by the recent stabbing of a doctor at Civil Aviation General Hospital by a patient’s relative, reports Caixin. The new law provides multiple measures to protect doctors, says Zhao Ning 赵宁 NHC (National Health Commission) Department of Legal Affairs director. Anyone disrupting normal hospital operations, threatening, harming or disrespecting hospital staff members will be subject to punishment. Hospitals have also been designated as a public space, meaning governments will be responsible for maintaining order.