The healthcare system in Jiangsu will be improved to provide a better service for local people, the province's acting governor said on Friday.

Luo Zhijun made the comment during his government report to the first session of the 11th Provincial People's Congress. He made particular reference to complaints from the public of high medical costs and difficulties accessing good quality treatment.

Yang Minghua, a congress deputy, said that although people have seen their incomes increase and living standards improve in recent years, many feel deprived of a decent medical service.

"The problem is that we have a hospital system that requires doctors to put profits ahead of patients," Yang said.

They prescribe costly medicines even if they are not really necessary, he said

Luo said: "The solution is to continue to reform the public hospital system and encourage fair competition in the provision of healthcare services."

In recent years, more community clinics have been built, which are designed to handle minor ailments, he said.

However, some people have expressed concern over their lack of facilities and staff.

Seventy-year-old retiree Ma Lianxiang said he had to travel 5 km to a hospital to get treatment for his knee, because his local clinic was unable to help.

"I didn't want to travel that far to see a doctor, but my community clinic doctor told me they didn't have the right equipment to check my knee."

Wang Hong, a congress deputy and doctor, said: "More funding is needed so community clinics can buy better equipment and employ experienced doctors."

(China Daily January 26, 2008)