Shenzhen issues Guangdong's first health e-card

The launch ceremony of Guangdong's first health e-card is held at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital on Dec 27. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Shenzhen, a city on the frontlines of China's reform and opening up, is bringing a new innovation to its health sector, as it released a new health e-card, which can be used in hospitals across the country, on Dec 27.

The e-card was issued at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital in Futian district. It is the first of its kind in Guangdong province.

Designed by the National Health Commission, the e-card contains the personal information, ID number and social security information of the holder and is presented in the form of a QR code exclusive to each person. It can be stored on a smart phone or attached to one's medical reports and used at a variety of medical institutions throughout the city, province and country.

Citizens of Shenzhen can apply for the e-card via the WeChat account szwjwwx, or via the app "健康深圳". Those who do not have a smart phone or internet connection can go to designated locations to obtain a printed QR code with their ID card. In the future, the southern Chinese city will promote the issuance and application of the new health cards, gradually integrating the medical card and healthcare service card into one combined e-card. It is estimated that by 2020, the e-card will be used in 90 percent of hospitals across Shenzhen