Stronger courts can guard people’s rights

Liu died earlier this month from complications of cancer. Before that, she had to sell clothes on the street to pay her skyrocketing medical bills that couldn’t be reimbursed since she was fired by her college.

It is unacceptable that the college dismissed Liu, an employee of three- year standing, while she was battling cancer.

More regrettably, the college halted paying Liu’s health insurance after her dismissal, and this added to the financial burden of her family, which eventually led to her death.

Employers have to inform employees in written form 30 days in advance or pay them an additional month of salary to terminate labor relations if the latter fail to perform their duties or other assigned position because of illness. That meant it was illegal for Bowen College to fire Liu the same month when learning about her illness.

In addition, it is very cruel and indifferent of the college to stop paying Liu’s medical insurance fees. This has pushed Liu into desperation.

To some extent, Liu’s death has directly resulted from the college’s refusal to pay her medical insurance.

The dismissal has also reflected the shortcomings of China’s medical system.

The medical insurance is designed to alleviate the financial burdens of patients. But the insurance system is always tied up with the labor relations in reality, and the termination of the labor contract always means the end of medical insurance.

Liu could have resorted to the law and pressured Bowen College to continue to pay her health insurance, or paid the insurance by herself.

But this means a heavy cost of time and money that is unbearable for critically ill patient without a stable income.

Liu’s story has shown the dilemma that may arise when China’s medical system is operated. In this respect, commercial insurances or charities can step in and help those patients.

Although the court ruled the college’s firing of Liu was illegal, it has no right to hear the request by Liu’s families on resuming medical insurance.

It is necessary to grant courts or labor arbitration institutions the right to handle insurance- related cases to protect employees. The medical and legal systems should be improved to prevent Liu’s tragedy from happening again.