China continues to advance its healthcare system, addressing challenges related to the uneven distribution and accessibility of medical resources. The implementation of the hierarchical medical system (HMS) by the Chinese government aims to alleviate financial and geographic barriers to healthcare for its vast population.
Comprehensive Evaluation of HMS Policies
A recent study utilized the Policy Modeling Research Consistency Index (PMC-Index) to assess 137 HMS policies from both central and provincial governments. The analysis revealed an average PMC score of 6.53, classified as good, but highlighted areas needing enhancement, such as policy tools, issuing subjects, and the diversity of policy fields.
Regional and Temporal Variations in Policy Effectiveness
The research uncovered significant regional disparities, with the East region leading in PMC index scores, followed by Central and Northeast regions, and the West lagging behind. Temporal analysis indicated that policies formulated during the development stage (2015-2017) scored highest, while those in the exploration and diffusion stages showed lower efficacy.
- Eastern regions exhibit stronger policy implementation, likely due to better infrastructure and resources.
- Policies developed in recent breakthrough stages show improved consistency with implementation efforts.
- Western regions require targeted strategies to enhance policy effectiveness and resource allocation.
- The correlation between PMC index and policy implementation underscores the importance of coherent policy design.
China’s hierarchical medical system policies demonstrate a commendable level of consistency and effectiveness in implementation. The study’s insights emphasize the need for continuous policy refinement, especially in underperforming regions, to ensure equitable healthcare access across the country. By addressing identified shortcomings and leveraging regional strengths, China can further optimize its healthcare framework, ultimately benefiting its populous population through enhanced medical service delivery and reduced financial burdens.

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