Government and Policy

First aid should not be delayed by fee issues

By Zhang Jiawei (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-06-17 11:15

China's emergency centers can charge service fees in accordance with the rules, but they should not refuse or delay aid over fee issues, according to a draft regulation published Thursday by the Ministry of Health.

The draft, which is now soliciting public opinion, says emergency centers that violate the rules will be punished, and those responsible will be downgraded or fired.

The draft also says local health administrative departments above county level should be equipped with one ambulance for every 50,000 people.