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Chang-Hong Whitney02.02.10
Because of the imbalance of health providers and their capabilities, large hospitals in cities have been inundated by patients. Long lines and crowded hallways are the norm in most hospitals. To improve customer service and the care provided, the health plan calls for a major reform of nonprofit public hospitals. Beginning in June 2009, the Ministry of Health requested that all Class III hospitals implement an appointment system for patients to schedule visits in advance, effectively reducing the number of patients waiting around for treatment. The ministry also has initiated a quality management system to standardize the medical procedures. In August last year, the agency announced a trial project for standard treatment procedures. This standard procedure will focus on common, high-prevalence diseases for which the effective treatment process has been well established. Ten large hospitals in Beijing are designated to trial run this process this year.