40 years on: Changchun's healthcare reform leaps forward

The fundamental reform of the healthcare system is one of the biggest achievements in Changchun, capital of Jilin province, since the introduction of the reform and opening-up policy in China 40 years ago.

Patients wait in line to get their medicine at the pharmacy of the People's Hospital of Changchun City. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Medicine prices have been lowered thanks to policy measures like "zero price difference of medicine", which were introduced by the Changchun Health and Family Planning Commission in 2013.

A total of 57 community healthcare service centers have been built up since 2009, providing more accessible and affordable healthcare services for rural residents in Changchun.

A patient gets her medicine at the pharmacy of the Second Hospital of Changchun City. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Internet technology has been introduced into the healthcare sector to empower grass-root and remotely located medical institutions, allowing patients to receive continuous and systematic services.

Along with improved medical environment, advanced medical equipment, modern medical concepts and medical technology, people's medical experience has been significantly upgraded over the past four decades.