Objective: To summarize the characteristics of the medical assistance system in Shanghai, and analyze the effectiveness and shortcomings of its development, so as to provide suggestions for further improving the policy design of the medical assistance system in Shanghai. Methods: The domestic and foreign literatures were retrieved and the relevant policy documents of Shanghai and other cities and provinces were sorted out, based on which the theoretical analysis framework of Shanghai medical assistance system was established. Results: Shanghai has basically established a comprehensive medical assistance system, whereas further development is still needed in the aspects including fund raising, object recognition, content refinement and organization mechanism. Conclusion: It is suggested that the medical assistance system in Shanghai should be improved from the aspects of broadening the financing channels, expanding the scope of the assistance, coordinating among different departments, optimizing the connection to the medical insurance, developing the information system, and further intensifying the precise assistance to the target population.