It is expected that all 1 million residents in Tongzhou district will have access to family doctor services by the end of 2010.

The district launched a pilot project in September, designating 480 medical staff as family doctors for 60,000 families in 570 villages and residential centers.

"The family doctor project really comforts us. Now, at least we are sure that we can call someone for medical help in emergencies.

"It's a very good feeling that you know you are not alone," said a 79-year-old retired worker surnamed Guo in Luhe Mingyuan community who has heart disease.

His two children are living in another community 12 kilometers away and he only has his 75-year-old wife to take care of him.

"We hope that a better medical service benefiting every family will be realized in the future," said Wang Suyun, director of the

residential management center of Tongzhou health bureau.

She said that all the medical staff members are from the 19 residential medical service centers in the districts. Each center had also set up a 24-hour hotline, providing medical consultation.

Wu Xingchen, vice-director of the Yongshun residential clinic center, said elderly residents and patients with chronic diseases, as well as people with mobility problems will take priority.

"Doctors will be in regular attendance to provide simple checkups, such as blood

pressure. Doctors will also give advice on healthcare according to the body condition. Some patients can even get treatment at home," he said.

Also, patients will have their own health document in which all their health information and medical records can be seen by family doctors.

"This will save more time for both patients and doctors," Wu said.

By the end of September, about 17 residential clinical centers in Tongzhou had sent 400,000 cards to residents. The cards gave a fixed phone number for the family doctor groups and the number for the 24-hour hotline.

In Yongshun residential clinic center, about 20 medical staff members are designated family doctors.

"If the family doctor service can be similar to that in some Western countries, it will be more convenient for local residents," said resident Qin Hua.

"The pilot project has given us confidence and we are eager to see it become better."

The Beijing health bureau released its plan for family doctors across the whole city in August.

Dongcheng and Xicheng districts also have pilot projects in operation.

China Daily

(China Daily 10/21/2010)