From Chinese Press

Medical care for all

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-03-30 07:42

The Beijing municipal government is said to expand its pension system during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) by exempting people aged 95 and above from paying their medical bills. But social welfare programs should help all lower-income people rather than just senior citizens, says an article in Yangcheng Evening News. Excerpts:

Perhaps it would be better if the authorities provided free medical care to all senior citizens. People in their 60s, 70s or 80s have more reason to enjoy free healthcare than say those above 95. Wouldn't it take less time and money to treat a younger person suffering from a disease than to let it worsen or spread till he/she reaches 95 and then treat it?

Moreover, nonagenarians may be our prized possessions, but every person deserves equal respect irrespective of his/her age or gender.

The critical comments the new policy has invited shows that people want equal treatment for all, which is also conducive to the long-term plan of the government.

If income is taken as the main criterion for treating 95-year-olds with extra care, then minors who have no income at all should get the priority, especially because they are the nation's future. Also, pregnant women and low-income people deserve greater care.

Perhaps the policy accords priority to the aged population to show society's respect for the elderly. But without making efforts to improve our future we cannot make the life of our senior citizens better.

(China Daily 03/30/2011 page9)