Mechanisms of Accountability for the Realization of the Right to Health in China

Qiu, Shengnan; Macnaughton, Gillian

In China, political accountability is carried out mainly through the People's Congress System. Under this system, individuals participate in the health policymaking process through the People's Congress. 47 According to the Constitution, people elect representatives-directly at the primary level and indirectly at the provincial and national levels-who are accountable to their constituents. 48 The National People's Congress is composed of representatives at the national level, and these rep- It carries out national health strategies and, accordingly, makes executive policies. The national health strategies are enacted by the Development and Reform Committee, which is a specific organ under the State Council that makes all strategy decisions concerning development and reform, including economic strategies, health strategies, and others. The strategies are introduced as proposals, which must be approved by the National People's Congress before they are given effect. If the People's Congress has approved a national strategy but that strategy fails to achieve its goals, the National People's Congress is accountable.