Insurance for caring services sought in rapidly aging capital

A basic insurance policy to cover the costs of nursing care for ailing residents is urgently needed to cope with the rising demand in Beijing as the city's population rapidly ages, a health expert said.

A lack of insurance means most patients with chronic or terminal diseases remain in hospitals, sometimes for months, even though expensive nursing services are not covered, said Yang Yingna, an official at the Beijing Geriatric Hospital, which specializes in caring for the aged.

"Lack of basic nursing insurance makes nursing services unaffordable for many elders," Yang said.