All six of the rural medical clinics in Beicai County, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, have been renovated - part of a program that has seen 603 rural clinics modernized and refurbished.

"We have also started to launch a medical insurance scheme for farmers who can get 85 percent of their medical expenses to an annual maximum of 5,000 yuan (US$666) refunded for out-patient care and 50,000 yuan for hospital treatment. Those suffering from serious diseases can receive a refund of up to 30,000 yuan," said Xi Deqiang, governor of Beicai County. "Every clinic has a cell phone that can provide 24-hour consultation and advice to callers."

Under a three-year plan ending next year, Shanghai will complete the renovation of 1,000 rural clinics which will provide better medical treatment for farmers.

A standard rural clinic will now be equipped with a diagnosis room, a pharmacy, a health education room, a treatment room, an injection room and an information management room. A standard village clinic should have at least 60 square meters in floor space and central clinics serving more than one village should have no less than 120 square meters in floor space.

(Shanghai Daily October 25, 2007)