In a move to better serve its booming elderly community, the Chinese mainland is ramping up geriatric healthcare services at major hospitals. With a quickly growing population of residents aged 60 and above, updated guidelines are pushing for dedicated clinics designed specifically for elder care. 😊
The National Health Commission has mandated that top-tier (tertiary) hospitals allocate at least 20 beds for geriatric care, while secondary hospitals must provide a minimum of 10 beds. Each geriatric clinic will feature outpatient consultation rooms, dedicated wards, and comprehensive evaluation spaces to ensure focused and effective treatment.
A standout feature of these clinics is the multidisciplinary approach. Experts from internal medicine, oncology, traditional Chinese medicine, rehabilitation, mental health, nursing, pharmacy, and nutrition will work together to offer a well-rounded care package tailored to the complex needs of elderly patients.
However, challenges remain. As geriatric medicine is an emerging field, there is a notable shortage of specialized professionals, and low service fees have sometimes dampened enthusiasm among medical institutions. Despite these hurdles, the progress made is a promising step forward.
With nearly 310 million elderly residents—making up about 22% of the population in 2023—the updated guidelines reflect a bold commitment to improving healthcare on a large scale. This initiative not only enhances patient care today but may also inspire modernized healthcare approaches around the globe. Stay tuned for more updates! 👍
Reference(s):
China steps up geriatric healthcare services at major hospitals
cgtn.com
