Health program helps 4m patients pay bills

A national program to aid impoverished villagers affected by serious diseases has benefited more than 4.2 million people, according to data released on Monday by a leading health authority.

Over 4.9 million rural families left in dire straits due to crippling medical expenses had been lifted out of poverty as of October, 46 percent of the total number, data from the State Council Medical Reform Office show.

The program, launched in June 2016, targets villagers registered with local authorities as surviving on just $1 a day and provides preferential medical insurance policies and other relief measures.