Outline of Pearl River Delta region Reform and Development Blueprint Announced
The State Council's information office announced yesterday (Jan 8th) the outline of the blueprint for the Pearl River Delta's reform and development from now until 2020. According to the blueprint, the PRD region should take the lead by building itself a well-off society by 2012. The blueprint also specifies the way Guangdong should handle specific issues and work arrangements. More from our reporter Zhu Yuzi:
Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, Du Ying, said China will allocate five billion Yuan for the construction of the Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao Bridge to build closer ties between the three regions.
"The blueprint specifies the next step the Pearl River Delta is expected to take to develop itself from the medium level developed region it is today, to a fully developed area by 2020. The goal would be hard to achieve without a close cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao. But this cooperation is already underway, as for example in the construction on the Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao Bridge, expected to start this year."

China Unveils Detailed Public Hospital Reform Measures
In response to growing public criticism concerning soaring medical fees, lack of access to medical services and poor doctor-patient relations, the Chinese government will launch a pilot program to reform its public hospitals. Health Minister Chen zhu, announced yesterday (Jan 8th) that under the new plan, the government will be responsible for giving subsidies to build new hospital infrastructure. Money will also be spent on purchasing medical equipment, undertaking key academic research, training doctors and covering medical fees for the nation's retirees. The government will also give special subsidies to hospitals providing public health services such as disease prevention or health education.

Temperature Continues to Drop all over Guangdong over the next few Days
Temperatures in Guangdong will continue to drop over the next few days. Most areas are expected to experience very cold mornings, with the lowest temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius. In the mountain areas in northern Guangdong, the mercury will even drop under 0 degrees. Today, temperatures in Guangzhou remain mild with a minimum of 6 degrees but the lowest temperatures are expected on Sunday (Jan 11th) with a chilly 4 degrees.