College students' medical care will be covered by social security, sources from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security said Friday.
   
The news came after public concern over graduate student Cai Yun at Lanzhou University who could not afford medical treatment after contracting a mysterious disease, the Gansu-based West Economic Daily reported Friday.
   
An official from Department of Medical Insurance under the Ministry of Labor and Social Security said in an interview with the newspaper Friday that the ministry is changing regulations on college students' medical care so it will be included in China's social security system.
   
Cai fell ill last June, almost losing her hearing. After a campaign for donations on her behalf by a local newspaper, a doctor from Lanzhou, specializing in treating deafness offered her free treatment and a donation of 5,000 yuan (US$617).
   
The official named Feng said it could be based on the system in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, where college students' medical services are covered by the social security system. Every year, both students and universities pay an insurance fee for the service.
   
This would make the medical insurance policy for college students in line with that for urban workers.
   
College students like Cai Yun would be eligible for medical assistance from the local medical insurance agency.
   
College and university administrations in Gansu Province hail such a medical insurance policy, saying it would ease pressure on schools, students and their parents.
   
Students have welcomed the announcement of this policy which will insure they get decent medical services. Many students worry about medical bills and don't go to see a doctor when they fall ill unless it is very serious.
   
Cai Yun at Lanzhou University was very glad to hear the news. She said she hopes this new medical policy can be implemented as early as possible so other students like her can benefit.

(CRI August 20, 2005)