University enrollments, generic drugs and apps in schools among items addressed

Approvals for private medical institutions to be simplified

The approval procedures for private sector investors wanting to open medical institutions will be further simplified, according to a notice issued on Wednesday.

The notice, jointly issued by nine departments, including the National Development and Reform Commission, is aimed at further optimizing approval procedures for the opening of medical institutions by private capital and creating a more enabling environment.

The notice includes a list of approval items and procedures for those in the private sector seeking to open medical institutions.

As part of the simplified approval items, private medical institutions covering areas below 300 square meters or with investments lower than 300,000 yuan ($43,700) will be exempted from complex approval procedures for firefighting facilities.