IN BRIEF (Page 22)

Dealing with depression and lack of sleep

Multinational healthcare company Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) launched Healthy China - the National Depression and Dyssomnia Health Promotion Project - at the end of last month in Beijing.

The project is targeted at caring for patients suffering from depression and promoting public mental health in China. Along with MSD China, the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and the Chinese Psychiatrist Association will set up 13 Reme Care Centers in second- and third-tier cities around China this year. As an annual event, the project was kicked off last year, with 18 Reme Care Centers established nationwide. According to Michel Vounatsos, president of MSD China, the focus of the 2011 project is to encourage the Chinese psychiatric community to shift the focus to the patient's quality of life from sleep disorders.