Based on literature study and case studies, this paper attempts to establish an indicatorsystem which will facilitate public supervision of government efforts to improve basic healthprotection for the rural population, especially the poor. The basic health protection systemmainly consists of public health, medical relief and basic health insurance. The level ofsocial and economic development in a region, and the capabilities of the local government,essentially determine the priority order of these three focus areas. For the less-developedregions, where the financial and administrative capabilities of local governments are weak,the most feasible option is to intensify public health and medical relief, in order to reduce thevulnerability of farmer families, especially poor families. Based on literature study and case studies, this paper attempts establish establish an indicator system which will facilitate public supervision of government efforts to improve basic health protection for the rural population, especially the poor. The basic health protection systemmainly consists of public health, medical relief and basic the level of social and economic development in a region, and the capabilities of the local government, essentially determine the priority order of these three focus areas. For the less-developed regions, where the financial and administrative capabilities of local governments are weak, the most feasible option is to intensify public health and medical relief, in order to reduce the vulrability of farmer families, especially poor families.