SHANGHAI: Shanghai has enhanced medical care services for disadvantaged groups in communities citywide during the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a press conference Tuesday.
Over 6,000 panels of family doctors have given priority to the elderly and disabled people across neighborhoods by providing inquiry services and medication guidance online to minimize cross-infection and carrying out routine health checks. Psychological counseling and basic knowledge of epidemic prevention and control are also provided by family doctors for the elderly. The city’s 246 community health centers have resumed operation since Jan. 31 to provide outpatient service, in-patient service, and vaccination to residents in need.
Elderly residents of nursing houses that adopt closed-off management are also included in community-level medical services. Family doctors will follow up with the treatment and prescription of those with chronic diseases.
China has released a circular requiring efforts to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations during the epidemic and stresses protection for the elderly, disabled and minors without the ability to take care of themselves while their guardians are quarantined or receiving treatment for COVID-19. – Agencies
