Libao: In the remote mountains of east China's Zhejiang Province, a new initiative is transforming healthcare access for elderly residents. In Libao Village, a smart mobile clinic, resembling a white medical vehicle, is providing essential healthcare services directly to the doorsteps of a dozen or so elderly residents.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the mobile clinic, approximately 12 square meters in size, is equipped to conduct routine check-ups and dispense prescriptions. It is part of a fleet of seven vehicles operated by Jingning She Autonomous County, serving 78 remote villages lacking permanent clinics or adequate medical facilities. The initiative began in 2019, addressing the challenge of establishing clinics in every village and retaining medical staff due to high costs and sustainability issues.
Jingning, China's sole autonomous county of the She ethnic group, faces unique challenges due to its mountainous terrain and aging population. The county's health bureau, led by Wu Liying, has implemented smart mobile clinics equipped with over 20 medical devices, incorporating AI-assisted diagnostics and Internet of Things technology. This program has expanded significantly, with each vehicle carrying a general practitioner and a nurse.
Jingning's mobile clinics have traveled over 250,000 kilometers and provided more than 100,000 medical services. These clinics have standardized protocols for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, benefiting over 70 percent of patients in the county. The initiative saves 60 million yuan in annual operating costs and 233 million yuan in construction costs compared to traditional clinics.
The success of this program in Zhejiang has led to over 500 mobile clinics covering nearly all remote rural regions in the province. The vehicles, produced by Ningbo Careful Special Cars Co., Ltd., have reached other mountainous areas in central and southwest China. The company is now targeting international markets, including Southeast Asia and the Middle East, offering an affordable and adaptable solution for improving primary care access in developing countries.