Facing a surge in respiratory infectious diseases, medical authorities in China have implemented a range of measures to address the growing demand for medical treatment this winter. The recent increase in cases has been primarily attributed to influenza, as well as other respiratory viruses. To meet the needs of pediatric patients, medical institutions nationwide are operating 24/7 and expanding their outpatient services. Additionally, schools are implementing enhanced health monitoring and disease prevention measures to protect the well-being of their students and staff.
The National Health Commission (NHC) has announced its commitment to maximizing pediatric diagnosis and treatment services by expanding available resources. This includes extending outpatient reception hours, increasing the number of available outpatient services, expanding consultation and treatment areas in hospitals, and establishing nighttime and weekend outpatient departments based on the demand for medical care among children.
In response to the growing number of patients, the prestigious Beijing Children’s Hospital has made necessary adjustments to accommodate the influx. By allocating additional staff to internal medicine, fever, and cough departments, the hospital ensures adequate medical support for various pediatric cases. They have also created a sequential treatment clinic for pneumonia, adjusted the distribution of inpatient beds, and opened beds in the internal medicine department to cater specifically to children with pneumonia. The hospital has also extended working hours for inspection, imaging, pharmacy, and charging services, while increasing staff numbers to meet the increased demand.
Similarly, the Second Hospital of Jilin University in Changchun has adapted its facilities to manage the surge in pediatric cases. A significant portion of the outpatient reception hall has been transformed into an infusion area for minors, allowing children to undergo infusion treatment while accompanied by their families. To alleviate the strain on medical resources, doctors from other departments have joined the pediatric internal medicine department. The hospital has established a complete emergency plan, ensuring sufficient healthcare professionals are readily available. Furthermore, a special emergency department operates until 11 pm, providing accessible medical care for those seeking treatment late at night. A temporary pharmacy for pediatric emergency patients has also been set up, further enhancing convenience and efficiency.
In order to protect the health and safety of students, Beijing municipal authorities and education institutions have taken proactive measures. Schools have been urged to monitor the health of teachers and students closely, ensuring that individuals with symptoms do not attend classes or work. Moreover, schools are advised against imposing mandatory homework requirements for students who are unwell and prioritizing making up missed coursework. The coordination of online and offline teaching has also been emphasized, and teachers communicate with parents to ensure students stay on track with their education.
In Jilin Province, all schools have strengthened daily management and health education efforts. The Second Experimental Gaoxin School has implemented morning and afternoon inspections, registration, and reporting for absences due to illness in each grade. Additionally, ventilation and sanitation practices are heightened, and students are encouraged to practice frequent hand-washing. Measures such as symptom monitoring, case management, disinfection, and ventilation have been expanded in classes with reported cases, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for students.
As medical authorities and education institutions collaborate to address the surge in respiratory infections, it is hoped that these multi-pronged measures will effectively meet the increased demand for medical services and protect the health of students and faculty members alike. By strengthening healthcare resources and implementing thorough prevention strategies, China aims to mitigate the impact of respiratory illnesses and ensure the well-being of its population during this winter season.
