Shanghai's top legislative body yesterday turned down the city government's proposal on medical insurance system reform as deputies could not agree on its details.

"Government proposals tend to be approved, but many Shanghai People's Congress members suggested controversial opinions as we discussed the amendment today," a deputy told Xinhua news agency.

The proposal suggested disconnecting medical payment standards with the city's average wage, changing payment thresholds for medical insurance funds and increasing benefits for people who joined the medical insurance plan after 2001.

Some members said it was not in line with Chinese regulations to disconnect medical insurance thresholds with wages, the report said.

Some members had different opinions on how and to what extent to increase younger people's benefits.

So far, a total of 4.26 million employees participated in the city's medical insurance plan, 1.01 million of whom joined it after 2001.

Fifty-seven standing committee members voted against the proposal.

(Shanghai Daily November 29, 2007)