Efforts required to popularize family doctors

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FAMILY DOCTOR SYSTEM, which is part of the ongoing medical reform, is proceeding smoothly. So far, 26 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions have issued guidelines on the service, which is expected to cover 85 percent of the cities nationwide. Legal Daily comments:

The family doctor system has been receiving a warmer welcome than anticipated. In Beijing alone, by the end of last March, 3.85 million families, had signed contracts with family doctors, the number of which is expected to grow this year.

Medical resources will be distributed in a more balanced way as more residents sign contracts with family doctors. When people have minor complaints such as a cold or a light injury, family doctors will treat them, which will save precious medical resources for those who have a serious disease or injury.