
BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- China's community-level medical institutions were asked to improve inpatient wards and provide more beds for the elderly, according to a circular released by the National Health Commission Monday.
Hospital beds in community-level medical institutions should be mainly used for elderly patients, rehabilitation, nursing care and palliative care, the circular said.
By the end of 2018, China had about 250 million citizens aged 60 and above, accounting for 17.9 percent of the total population. Nearly 180 million elderly people in the country have chronic diseases.
Wang Jianjun, director of the China National Committee on Ageing, had earlier stressed that communities are a primary part of old-age care, noting that communities will enjoy more support in terms of policies and finance.
The circular laid out other measures to promote the development of community-level medical institutions, including enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of common diseases.
The medical institutions were encouraged to set up targeted departments, including psychological clinics, in accordance with local conditions.
The circular also stressed the detection and reporting of infectious diseases.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses