The State Council, China's cabinet, on Friday issued guidance on a hierarchical medical treatment system to direct resources to grassroots health institutions.

According to the guideline, a system of different tiers of hospitals with clearly defined roles will be established by 2017. Also, by that time the country should have a greater number of qualified general practitioners (GPs), and standards at local hospitals will rise.

To this end, local health institutions will create general health centers with a wide range of services and allow doctors to practice in different institutions.

Meanwhile, the country will train more GPs until there is a ratio of one GP for every 3,000 to 5,000 residents, and will improve county hospitals so that 90 percent of medical demand can be met at or below that level.

Additionally, patients will be incentivized to seek treatment in their most proximate hospitals as insurance reimbursements will vary between different tiers of hospitals. Doctors will also be incentivized to refer patients with minor illness or stable conditions to lower level institutions.

A hierarchical system is an integral part of current medical reform. Endi

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