China's public health subsidy rises from 2022 levels

China's top health authority said on Wednesday the per-capita subsidy standard for basic public health services this year will rise to 89 yuan ($12.4), up five yuan from 2022.

The National Health Commission said in a notice on its official website the increased amount will be mainly invested into strengthening public health services for the elderly and children.

It stressed local authorities should obtain a clear catalog of local seniors aged 65 and above and update the list continuously.

Local governments are encouraged to launch cognitive screening services for the elderly and guide those showing abnormal results to higher-level hospitals.

More efforts are also required to strengthen nursery care for infants and toddlers aged 3 or below, boost assessment of children's growth, psychological and behavioral development, step up prevention of child obesity and improve their eye health and oral health.

The notice also required local authorities to ramp up management of patients with high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes.

It added the risk of COVID-19 disease remains, and seasonal infectious diseases continue to emerge. Grassroots medical institutions are required to handle and report contagious cases and acute public health events appropriately and COVID-19 vaccination campaigns will be carried out for target groups.

The document was jointly released by the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control.