2002年10月,中央作出在全国建立新型农村合作医疗制度的决定。新型农村合作医疗制度是由政府组织、引导、支持,农民自愿参加,个人、集体和政府多方筹资,以大病统筹为主的农民医疗互助共济制度。中央明确要求各地要在政府统一领导下,本着自愿参加、多方筹资、因地制宜、分类指导 In October 2002, the central government made a decision to establish a new rural cooperative medical system throughout the country. The new rural cooperative medical system is organized, guided, and supported by the government. The peasants voluntarily participate, individuals, groups, and the government raise funds from various sources. The peasants’ mutual aid and mutual aid system based on the overall plan for serious diseases is the mainstay. The Central Government clearly requires that all localities should, under the unified leadership of the government, voluntarily participate, multi-fund-raising, local conditions, and guidance