Improve social medical scheme

Zheng Yanliang, a farmer in Baoding, Hebei province, had to have his right leg amputated because of a festering wound, which ultimately turned into gangrene because he couldn't afford to pay for its treatment. The incident shows that lack of funds has rendered social medical care in many regions, especially rural areas, a non-performing public service, says an article in Beijing News. Excerpts:

Zheng's tragedy should prompt us to reflect on and reconsider our social assistance program. But Zheng is not the only one to undergo a tragic predicament because he could not afford to pay for his medical treatment. That he was forced to tend to his wounds without expert medical help reflects how poor healthcare services are for some social groups.