CCTV9英语新闻：China implements tiered diagnosis & treatment system

The WHO estimates that by 2030, diabetes will become the seventh leading cause of death. In China, diabetes patients have increased dramatically. Figures from the latest guidebook for Type Two diabetes prevention show that about 100 million adults are affected by the disease in China. However, since the end of 2015, China has been carrying out a tiered diagnosis and treatment system. Patients do not have to wait for hours in top comprehensive hospitals. Instead, they can now receive professional treatment in community hospitals.

 

A new way to receive treatment for diabetes patients. Ms. Liu Min, 68, was diagnosed with diabetes 20 years ago. She now frequents the community hospital for treatment advice, ever since the tiered diagnosis and treatment system for diabetes has been established.

 

"Complication of diabetes is to be feared of. Through knowing the disease, the diet management, due exercise, I can control the blood sugar level, avoid complications,"  Ms.Liu said.

 

In 2001, 5.5 percent of adults in China suffered from diabetes. The figure in 2013 had since rose to 11.6 percent, higher than the global average of 8.3 percent. Doctors are recognizing that more and more young people are succumbing to the disease.

 

"Patients increased a lot, especially young people. Compared to 1994, young patients increased like 7, to 8 times. While the overall number increase 3, or 4 times. When they are in their 50s or 60s, they will bring big medical care burden for both the individuals and the countries," Yang Wenying, director of Dndocrinology department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital, said.

 

For a chronic disease like diabetes, treatment and constant monitoring are key for patients. Most provinces in China have been carrying out a tiered diagnosis and treatment system since 2015. Xiamen has made some progress.

 

Officials introduced a system where three doctors take care of one patient. This includes one specialist from top comprehensive hospitals, a doctor from the community medical hospital, and a health management professional.

 

After this implementation, 64 percent of treatment targets have been met, compared to the previous 17%.

 

Community hospitals cooperate with high-level comprehensive hospitals to ensure patients are given the necessary healthcare services, making diabetes treatment and prevention a lot easier.