China's healthcare reform plan is likely to be released after the Beijing Olympics, a local newspaper Yangcheng Evening Post recently quoted Mao QunAn, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, as saying.

However, Mao clarified on April 13 that this timing is only his personal speculation and there is still no timeline for the launch of the new healthcare reform plan.

He said the basic framework for the healthcare reform is now completed, but the plan is being refined before finally released for public comments.

Mao revealed during his interview with Yangcheng Evening Post that newly appointed Vice Premier Li Keqiang took over the responsibility for the country's health related affairs from former Vice Premier Wu Yi. In addition to the Ministry of Health, Li also has the jurisdiction of NDRC and the Ministry of Fiscal Finance. 

Li's authority over the three most influential central government agencies in healthcare is viewed by local experts as a positive sign for China's healthcare reform.