Zhuhai taking measures to ensure longer lifespans

The average life span of Zhuhai residents is expected to exceed 83 years by 2030, according to the Health Zhuhai 2030 Outline and Health City Construction Plan (2017-20). Three health systems containing eight major tasks and 14 strategic projects will be built to bolster Zhuhai as a National Health City.

According to the plan, by 2020, a health-service system integrating medical treatment, nursing, and elderly care will be well under way. Further improvements will be made in basic medical and health care for both urban and rural residents to ensure universal coverage plus sports and fitness services.

As it grows into a National Health City, Zhuhai will see the main health indicators of its citizens on par with that of developed countries, according to a government official. Leading the world in 2015 was Hong Kong, according to the SAR Department of Health, at 84 years on average for both sexes. The World Health Organization ranked China 53rd that year at 76.1 while the USA was 31st at 79.3 and Germany stood 24th at 81.

Exercise facilities abound at residential areas [File photo]

To create a healthy eco-system, projects to improve the local environment, public safety, health culture, healthy society, and foreign communication and cooperation will enhance the health and life expectancy of local residents.

A fit living system is to take shape through projects such as healthy lifestyle popularization, public sanitation improvement, target population care, and intelligent health services. Foreseen are improved systems of medical and health care as well as civic fitness public service, lifted urban health facility capability, and enhanced residential conditions.

Also called for are improved medical services, restructured health care systems, talent cultivation, health technology innovation, and health industry development.

By 2018, Zhuhai will have five health towns or sub-districts, 50 health villages, and a batch of health communities, units and households. By 2020, the city will be established as a National Health City and a demonstration city for its undertakings in Guangdong Province. Besides ensuring basic medical services and pension security for all, it also will allow local residents to access medical and health services and sport and fitness facilities within 10 minutes of their homes.