China to reform income system for medical workers

BEIJING - Chinese authorities have pledged to reform the income system for medical and health workers as part of efforts to provide citizens with better public services.

The adjustment, which will be conducted in line with the nature of the sector, aims to inspire medical workers to better perform their duties, according to a guideline forwarded by the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council on promoting successful experiences gained in medical and health service reforms.

A public-benefit-oriented evaluation system will be established for medical workers, and their income will see a proper rise, it said.

Moreover, the current recruitment procedures for professional and technical personnel and high-level staff, who are often badly needed in hospitals, will be streamlined, and more high-level talent will be encouraged to work in local hospitals, the guideline said.

Noting the achievements made in the reform of the medical and health sector in recent years, the guideline said that 80 percent of Chinese citizens are able to access medical services within 15 minutes of their homes and Chinese citizens' average life expectancy has reached 76.34, up from 74.83 in 2010.

According to the "Healthy China 2030" blueprint, China wants to increase its citizens' average life expectancy to 77.3 by 2020 and 79 by 2030, up from 76.34 in 2015.