Echo Hu/ Shanghai Daily news

Private and foreign-invested companies will join a medical insurance program initiated by the Shanghai Trade Union from this year.

The insurance for serious-diseases and accidental injuries will also extend the coverage to migrant workers.

By the end of last year, the program had benefited more than 7.3 million union members, covering nearly 70 percent of people who were employed and 90 percent of retirees.

The program had paid medical costs totaling 1.77 billion yuan (US$229 million) for 3,379,800 employees.

Besides, the program last year adsorbed more than 60,000 individuals, including employees from bankrupt companies and companies that suspended operation, and those who retired ahead of retirement age because of being laid off.