China Unveils Ten Measures to Boost Family Doctor Contract Services

In a significant move to enhance the quality and accessibility of primary healthcare, the National Health Commission (NHC), in collaboration with six other departments including the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Healthcare Security Administration, has introduced a set of measures to improve the experience of family doctor contract services. The initiative outlines ten specific actions across three key areas: enhancing service experiences for all residents, strengthening services for key populations, and boosting health management and publicity efforts.

Enhancing Service Experience for All Residents
Five measures aim to improve accessibility and convenience for the general population:

1. Improving Accessibility: Making contract services more accessible and convenient.
2. Urban Hospital Participation: Establishing a long-term mechanism for urban hospital doctors to participate in contract services, with compensation mechanisms for their salaries.
3. Regular Health Information Delivery: Providing personalized health guidance, education, and regular updates on health information.
4. Referral Services: Solidifying referral appointment services, including examinations, tests, and hospital admissions for contracted residents.
5. Community Contracting: Promoting community-based contracting through partnerships with village and neighborhood committees.

Strengthening Services for Key Populations
Three measures focus on improving care for specific groups:

1. Medication Services: Expanding the range of medications available at grassroots levels for chronic and common diseases, with improved supply and distribution mechanisms.
2. Health Management Optimization: Increasing service frequency for high-risk populations and encouraging home visits or face-to-face follow-ups for residents aged 80 and above.
3. Personalized Contracting: Developing basic and personalized service packages, allowing residents to “order” services tailored to their needs.

Boosting Health Management and Publicity
Two measures aim to enhance health management and raise awareness:

1. Incentivizing Health Management: Encouraging contracted residents to improve self-management through incentives like health behavior points.
2. Strengthening Publicity: Increasing awareness of family doctor contract services to build social recognition and understanding.-Fineline Info & Tech