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China
How China's Basic Medical Insurance system, dual herbal–Western medication culture, and family-centered care shape the way patients access and experience healthcare.
01
Healthcare system (coverage & access)
- Basic Medical Insurance (BMI) is the foundational pillar of healthcare, covering around 95% of citizens.
- BMI has two types: Employee Basic Medical Insurance (EBMI) for legally working employees (~337 million people) and Residents Basic Medical Insurance (RBMI) for non-working residents (~1.014 billion people).
- The BMI is designed to support people who are struggling financially.
- The system is overall managed by local governments.
02
Approaches to medication
- China maintains a National Reimbursable Drug List that categorizes drugs into Category A (essential, covered) and Category B (partially out-of-pocket with slight reimbursement).
- High value is placed on herbal treatments alongside Western drugs, with a healthy balance maintained between the two traditions.
03
How patients view providers
- Patients often feel neglected because of the large volume of patients each doctor sees daily, making appointments short.
- The fast-paced environment means patients often don't perceive doctors as empathetic.
04
Helpful to know
- Families may prevent the doctor from revealing a serious diagnosis to the patient in order to protect the patient's mental health.
- Family members often have more control over care decisions than the patient themselves, making decisions about medication and procedures.
- The informed consent process may involve family members rather than solely the patient.
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