China considers higher patient fees to fund salary boost for doctors
Government contends medical services have long been sold short, but assures increased charges to patients will be offset by public insurance
Beijing has pledged to better compensate doctors and nurses in the public sector by increasing health care costs, amid complaints that China’s doctors are grossly underpaid.
Some types of doctors are reportedly paid less than barbers or housekeepers for certain shifts, according to hospital officials. Public health is at risk if doctors and nurses are overworked and underpaid, and if fewer and fewer skilled talents enter the medical field.
However, the central government was quick to claim that the increase in charges to patients would be offset by public medical insurance.
Guo Jianying, inspector of the pricing division of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said the authorities were studying feasible adjustments in medical service costs, particularly at public hospitals, as part of reforms.
[Continued underpayment] will be very dangerous. ...Doctors will think of other ways to make money and it is bad for patients, doctors and the government
Guo said the new costs should reflect the value of services provided by medical workers while being acceptable under basic health insurance schemes.