(Anhui's achievements in the 13th Five-Year Plan period) Anhui leads China in medical reforms

Anhui has taken the lead in China in medical reforms and made remarkable achievements in building medical and health systems since the 13th Five-Year Plan was introduced in 2016, the Health Commission of Anhui Province said at a press briefing on Thursday.

The number of hospitals in the province rose from 24,853 in 2015 to 26,436 in 2019, with medical workers up from 281,000 to 361,000, according to Li Bifang, head of the commission.

489 institutions featuring the integration of medical treatment and elderly support were set up in the province, employing a total of 20,383 persons.

The province has stepped up efforts to tackle poverty caused by illnesses. Financially-challenged patients are allowed to have around 90 percent of medical bills reimbursed, and 31 hospitals in poverty-stricken counties receive assistance from 26 provincial or municipal hospitals during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20).