Plan to Reform County Hospitals 'May Lower Level of Medical Services'

(Beijing) – A plan to reform county hospitals around China could lower the level of services and hurt the morale of medical workers if the government does not address the financial problems that will likely arise, academics and doctors say.

The State Council, the country's cabinet, published a plan on May 8 that will overhaul thousands of county public hospitals amid growing discontent over soaring health care expenses and a lack of access to basic medical services, particularly in rural areas.