SHANGHAI International Medical Center in Pudong New Area and New Hongqiao International Medical Center in Minhang District will become the "major places for the city's health reform," a senior official said yesterday.

"Over 90 percent of the health service is handled by public facilities, which can't meet people's higher requirements," said Xu Su, vice director of the Shanghai Health Reform Office.

"Shanghai is encouraging more private facilities and medical groups to get involved in the high-end health service market, and doctors are also allowed to practice in up to three facilities to make better use of resources," he said.