王局拍案｜揭秘中共特供医疗20221117

Summary

The video discusses China's healthcare system for government officials, which is extremely privileged compared to care available to average citizens. It traces the system's origins to the Communist revolutionaries in Yan'an, who set up special medical facilities for cadres even as most people had no access to healthcare. After taking power, the Communist Party expanded this exclusive, hierarchical system lavishly. Top leaders enjoy personalized care and lengthy lifespans - the goal is now 150 years. Lower-level officials also get far better treatment than ordinary people, for whom minor illnesses can lead to poverty. This inequality sparked public outrage in 2006 when data emerged showing 8.5 million civil servants used 80% of China's health spending while covering only 20% of the population. The system warps officials' mindsets, making them indifferent to the people. During the COVID outbreak in Wuhan, one official refused hospitalization unless given a private room, despite extreme shortages. The system's flaws mean top leaders' health still suffers from power struggles, as with Zhou Enlai dying early from treatable cancer because Mao delayed approving surgery. Though scientific advances may now help officials reach age 150, the people funding this exclusive healthcare cannot afford basic treatment. After 60+ years of perfecting privilege, the system serves the rulers rather than the ruled.

Takeaways

• China has an exclusive healthcare system for government officials that is very expensive and funded by public resources.
• This system prioritizes and provides high-quality care for a small number of officials over the general population.
• The average lifespan of Chinese leaders is much longer than that of regular citizens due to superior healthcare.
• Inequality in the healthcare system was extremely severe, with 80% of public health spending going to officials.
• Officials have access to teams of top medical specialists, personalized nutrition plans, and luxurious hospital suites.
• Mao Zedong and other top leaders received dedicated medical care from personal physicians like Li Zhisui.
• The public is outraged by the stark contrast between subpar care for citizens versus lavish care for officials.
• Privileged officials often insist on cadre wards and reject regular hospital rooms, even in crises like the Wuhan outbreak.
• Some officials view special treatment as an entitlement and lose touch with the suffering of ordinary people.
• While the system extends lifespans of leaders, some like Zhou Enlai become victims of political power struggles.

Q & A

How is the healthcare system for Chinese officials funded?

It is funded through public resources and accounts for a disproportionately large percentage of China's total healthcare spending.

What enables Chinese leaders to live significantly longer on average?

The exclusive healthcare system provides them with specialized medical care, personalized nutrition plans, access to top experts, and advanced facilities - resources not available to regular citizens.

What was Li Zhisui's role in providing healthcare for top Chinese officials?

Li Zhisui was Mao Zedong's personal physician for many years. He oversaw Mao's medical care and gave insight into Mao's health in his memoir.

How do Chinese officials sometimes respond when they require hospitalization?

Some officials insist on staying in luxury cadre wards rather than regular rooms, even during crises when beds are extremely scarce.

Why was the Chinese public so angered by the 301 Hospital advertisement?

It highlighted the stark inequality between the lavish healthcare for top officials and inadequate care available for average citizens struggling to afford treatment.

Did privileged healthcare universally benefit top Chinese leaders?

No. In some cases like with Zhou Enlai, leaders became victims of political power struggles that prevented them from receiving needed treatment.

How does prolonged exposure to healthcare privilege impact Chinese officials' attitudes?

Some officials come to view special treatment as an entitlement and lose awareness of the suffering experienced by ordinary citizens.

What healthcare services do high-ranking Chinese officials typically receive?

Dedicated teams of medical experts providing constant monitoring and care, personalized nutrition plans designed for longevity, access to advanced facilities and luxurious hospital suites, and more.

How was healthcare apportioned between Chinese officials and citizens circa 2006?

Approximately 80% of public health spending went towards care for officials, while just 20% covered the general population.

Did economic reforms resolve inequality within the Chinese healthcare system?

Reforms have helped decrease inequality compared to 2006 by expanding some coverage, but the system still heavily favors government officials over average citizens.