Getting sick in the middle of the night and not being able to find a doctor is always a worry. According to a Ministry of Health report cited by local media, nearly 100 percent of health centers nationwide are now open round-the-clock, ready to treat patients at any time. To make this happen, the government didn't just set a target—it also deployed over 500 additional doctors, nurses, and midwives to grassroots medical posts, including both permanent civil servants and contract staff, so that people won't waste a trip when they need medicine or medical care late at night.
However, that near-100-percent success rate also comes with a warning. The Prime Minister publicly told the Minister of Health that these numbers must hold up to scrutiny, joking that he might suddenly show up at a clinic entrance one day to check for himself whether someone is actually on duty 24 hours a day. As for the small handful of health centers still unable to open around the clock, officials explained that it is mainly due to border area conflicts, which have temporarily disrupted normal operations.
Walking down the street, what people care about most is whether they can find a reliable doctor when they fall ill. According to official statements, this round of healthcare reform focuses on the basics, gradually beefing up resources from village health posts and commune health centers all the way up to district hospitals. Meanwhile, high-cost specialized care for conditions like cancer and heart disease continues to be coordinated at the national and regional levels. For ordinary people, a health center with its lights on early in the morning or late at night is the most practical peace of mind.
