ABSTRACT
The rural cooperative medical system has had a long history in China. However, its status has declined since the reform and opening-up period began. In January 2003, the General Office of the State Council forwarded the ‘Opinions on the Establishment of a New-Type Rural Cooperative Medical Care Scheme’, which was submitted by the Ministry of Health and other ministries and commissions, based on which it decided to launch a pilot project. The central government established a management and operation mechanism led by governments from the central level down to the local levels, directed by health departments, coordinated by relevant ministries, operated by handling agencies, served by medical institutions and participated in by the peasant masses. The Ministry of Health played a leading role in the organisation, guidance, formulation, implementation and supervision of the policy, where other departments only provided consultations and assistance.
