The National Health and Family Commission (NHFPC) held a conference for poor families in Beijing on July 9. Wang Pei’ an, vice-minister of NHFPC, attended the conference and delivered a speech.

Wang Pei'an

Last year, NHFPC and four ministries jointly announced they would help poor families in economy, retirement insurance, healthcare and social concern, Wang said. At present, 21 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) and five cities have increased the standard of special financial aid. Fourteen provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) and five cities have unified the standard of special financial aid in cities and countries, and 15 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) and four cities have subsidized poverty-stricken families who are covered by insurance. Seventeen provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) and four cities have covered eligible families under the medical assistance program.

Wang stressed that aid to poor families is important work for improving people’s livelihood. He urged policies and measures to be detailed; departments should coordinate to ensure that poor families are helped effectively.

Representatives from ministries, departments of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, China Family Planning Association and China Population Welfare Foundation, attended the conference.