China announces new steps to enhance pediatric care

China plans to establish a 24-hour emergency green channel for critically ill children aged three and under among an array of measures to improve pediatric services, according to a document newly released by the National Health Commission.

The commission aims to boost access to pediatric, mental health and psychiatry services from this year to 2027. The initiative was announced late last year and an action plan detailing a number of measures was published by the commission on Friday.

The goal is to ensure that common pediatric illnesses can be treated at the city or county and major diseases can be treated within the region. Pediatric care will become more continuous and convenient, with overall patient satisfaction rising significantly, the action plan showed.

The majority of psychiatric hospitals and large medical institutions will establish their own psychological and sleep clinics, and all healthcare professionals will pay attention to patients' mental health and psychological well-being. The public's awareness and knowledge of mental health will also increase markedly.

The action plan said that more efforts will be dedicated into adding pediatric clinics, strengthening pediatric diagnosis and treatment capabilities and upgrading service procedures.

It also encourages hospitals to set up clinics tailored to children, such as physical growth and development, as well as mental health departments. During peak seasons for pediatric services, medical institutions should monitor waiting hours of child patients and allocate more staff or extend service hours based on demands.