A complete and all-embracing social security system should be established as soon as possible, says a signed article in Workers' Daily. An excerpt follows:

Guan Lin'gen, director of Shenzhen Labor and Social Security Bureau, recently urged the public to help cover the medical expenses of a worker suffering from cancer. His call has so far been greeted with donations in excess of 100,000 yuan (US$12,820).

There have been many such cases of people falling into poverty as a result of ill health. However, this one drew wide attention because the bureau director made the appeal and the worker requiring help once received "Shenzhen's excellent migrant worker" award.

In addition to making an appeal for donations, the bureau director urged the public to pay greater attention to the issue of social security.

Some think it ironic that a director of a labor and social security bureau had to appeal for donations to help save the life of a seriously ill worker.

What this sorry incident highlights is that many people are continuing to fall through gaping holes in the nation's social security system.

There are many problems with the current system. For example, employers are not required to contribute, social security systems in different regions are not unified and the system's credibility has been damaged due to embezzlement scandals.

Although a big donation campaign, such as the one launched in Shenzhen, can help one person, a complete medical insurance system, including basic medical insurance and a relief mechanism, is required to save a group of people who have similar problems.

(China Daily April 27, 2007)