People in military service are expected to enjoy better medical care as China's Central Military Commission has approved a reform scheme of the army's medical care system, to take effect on May 1st this year.

The average per-capita medical budget for military personnel will rise by 30 percent, promising to offer free medical care to servicemen.

Moreover, the preferential policies will also cover their family members, and include civilian workers in the military as part of the official medical care system.

The new scheme also gives better care to retired soldiers and officers, those stationed in remote areas or involved in special duties, and those who suffer from serious illness.

(CRI.com April 1, 2004)