Qidong People's Hospital officially started allowing people to see a doctor before paying on June 15.

A resident surnamed Wang, who visited the hospital due to his eczema, arrived at 8:30 am that day and signed an agreement regarding the service. He then registered through a self-service machine and received treatment at 8:50 am. At about 9:15 am, he received the drugs he needed.

"In the past, patients had to pay multiple times during the registration process in order to receive further treatment and obtain medicine, which was troublesome," said Wang. "But now, thanks to the new service, we only need to pay once."

A resident surnamed Wang receives the drugs he needs on June 15 at the Qidong People's Hospital, where people are allowed to see a doctor before paying the related fees. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt0513]

Since the service began a trial run on June 1, more than 130 patients have made use of it.

All local residents with medical insurance can benefit from the service. The initial credit limit is 1,500 yuan ($211.74).

The fees must be paid within seven days at the designated window after receiving treatment. Anybody who fails to do so will not be able to use the service until he/she pays the entire fee and penalties.