China is promoting reform of the medical system and improving quality and efficiency of hospital services through a three-year long public appraisal program.
Named "Trustworthy Hospital Appraisal," the program is organized by the China Association for Hospital Management.
It is divided into three periods. the first one, featuring "transparency in medical services," was carried out in 2001. The second, featuring "high quality and efficient medical care," was carried out in 2002.
According to the organizer's plan, those hospitals which won the first two rounds of competition will be allowed to participatein the third, which is themed a "green medical environment."
A diploma awarding conference was held Tuesday in Beijing for hospitals who have passed the initial appraisal rounds.
Last year 576 hospitals were chosen nationwide as satisfactory for patients, accounting for 82.6 percent of those taking part in the public appraisal activities. The hospitals have made remarkable progress in terms of services, according to the hospital management association.
The "green medical environment" round of the appraisal activities will kick off in February this year. Its criteria will include cleanliness and beauty of the hospital environment, healthiness of catering services for patients and safety of medical equipment management.
(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2003)
