China to upgrade community medical care, turning health centers into hospitals

Moving to increase the provision of critical healthcare services throughout its vast territory, China’s National Health Commission plans to convert hundreds of community health clinics around the country into hospitals.

 

Under the plan, the community health centers will continue to serve as primary healthcare facilities, while adding capacity to handle the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases. Some of the centers are expected to provide specialist services such as surgery, gynecology, and pediatric care. Others will focus on rehabilitation care, nursing, and palliative care for elderly patients.