China’s wide ranging reforms of the health sector have resulted in almost universal coverage by social health insurance schemes and a greater degree of medical security, conclude reports from official state media.

Healthcare financing experts acknowledge China’s progress as a result of a three year reform process, with central government funding of ¥850bn (£87bn; €105bn; $134bn) that started in early 2009, but point out that universal coverage is just one step on the road to equitable access to affordable healthcare.

The Chinese health minister, Chen Zhu, announced last week that 89% of urban residents and …