Xu Yuansong, an 82-year-old retiree from Wuhan City in central China, requires regular blood transfusions due to early-stage leukemia. He racks up at least 30,000 yuan in medical expenses monthly, much higher than his income. Fortunately, China's medical insurance covers most of the bill, saving him from financial distress.

"His total annual medical expenses are more than 200,000 yuan, but after reimbursements, he pays between 20,000 and 30,000 yuan only," Chang Wei, director of the hematology department at Wuhan Puren Hospital, told CGTN Stringer.