Chinese authorities have launched a campaign to expand basic medical insurance coverage for children, aiming to safeguard their rights, interests and health in the country.
The National Healthcare Security Administration, the Ministry of Education and the National Health Commission spelled out in a circular that the goal is that by the end of 2024, over 80% of newborns would be covered by national basic medical insurance in the year of birth, reported Xinhua news agency.
The document sets out various campaign measures, including improving the supply of medical services, strengthening data-sharing between departments and optimizing procedures for newborns to be included in the national insurance scheme.
Infants should, in principle, be covered by national medical insurance within 90 days of birth, and all eligible medical expenses incurred during this period should be reimbursed, according to the circular.
It also outlined specific requirements to ensure children in need of medical assistance and subsidies were covered by medical insurance in a timely manner.