China is planning to establish a new medical insurance system for all urban residents, including those outside the workforce, although no details were forthcoming.

China has begun experimental practices of establishing medical insurance for all urban residents in east, west and central China's cities and towns, according to three recent meetings hosted by Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi.

Governments should realize the importance of medical insurance for all urban residents and make thorough investigations to implement it, said Wu.

China established a medical insurance system for the urban employed in 1998. A new cooperative medical care system was founded in China's rural regions in 2002 designed to cover all rural residents, leaving urban residents that are outside the workforce the only group with no medical cover.

The State Council will discuss and decide further arrangements of the experimental practices of medical insurance system for urban residents that are outside the workforce, according to the meetings.