Poorest protected by medical subsidy

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 ◆ Poorest protected by medical subsidy

About 167,000 impoverished people in Chengdu have been relieved of exorbitant medical charges, after the local government decided to subsidize their medical costs.

According to a regulation going into effect on Sept. 1, the capital city of Sichuan Province, southwest China, will earmark 16.83 million yuan (2 million US dollars) this year to easing the plight of people who cannot afford to see doctors.

Those qualified to take advantage of the policy will be subsidized to different degrees, depending on where and how they receive medical treatment.

The regulation has set a ceiling of 5,000 yuan (600 dollars) for each person this year.

Chengdu Social Security Bureau will work out the annual budget, auditing and appropriation of the fund, the regulation ordained.

The move is a significant measure to improve the social security system and ensure medical rights for people in financial hardships, said Li Xiaoxin, director of Chengdu Labor and Social Security Bureau.