High-quality medical care reaches the grassroots, complex examinations are available nearby, and doctor-patient communication is just a click away… In Shapingba District of Chongqing, a healthcare reform centered on “letting the public travel less and receive better treatment” is quietly transforming the medical experience for millions of residents.

Located in the western part of Chongqing’s central urban area, Shapingba District boasts a strong foundation in medical resources. It is a hub for medical education, talent, and services. The area has 758 healthcare institutions at various levels, including 8 tertiary hospitals such as the First Affiliated Hospital and Second Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University, and Chongqing University Cancer Hospital. Eight key specialties in the district, including burns, hepatobiliary, infectious diseases, respiratory, and cardiovascular, consistently rank among the top 10 nationally. The annual outpatient volume in the district exceeds 10 million visits.

A special task force for building a close-knit medical community was established, with a clear goal to mobilize the entire district’s strength to build a modern, strong health district.

In specific measures, Shapingba District established 6 medical alliances led by large tertiary hospitals. Within these, 48 national and municipal-level key clinical specialties were paired with 100 clinical departments in district hospitals to build “jointly constructed and managed departments,” promoting the sharing of expert resources, integration of medical services, and two-way patient transfers. Simultaneously, 4 close-knit medical communities were formed, led by hospitals like Shapingba District People’s Hospital and Chenjiaqiao Hospital, with 21 community health service centers (township health centers) as member units. This promotes the下沉 (downward flow) of management, technology, and resources, allowing high-quality district-level resources to benefit the grassroots.

Furthermore, Shapingba District established 56 specialized alliances for areas like traditional Chinese medicine services, mental health, and integrated medical and elderly care. These alliances conduct professional guidance, training, and technical support, achieving “vertical integration, horizontal linkage, and full coverage” of regional medical resources. This gradually forms a three-tier diagnosis and treatment service system where “common illnesses are resolved at the grassroots, general diseases at the district level, and critical/severe illnesses at tertiary hospitals.”

The widely recognized “Hongyan Family Doctor” service delivers care to the finest details. Data shows the local area has established 121 off-site Hongyan Family Doctor workstations, 25 Hongyan Qihuang Medical Practitioner service stations, and built 118 “Healthy Communities.” Over 230 grassroots family doctor teams following a “1+3+N” model have been formed. The family doctor签约 (sign-up) coverage rate for the entire population is 60%, and for key groups like the elderly, weak, sick, disabled, and those with mental health conditions, it reaches 91.2%. Residents can enjoy continuous and stable health management right at their doorsteps.

“We closely follow the national healthcare reform direction, avoiding superficial efforts. On the foundation of a preliminarily sound system, we will focus on iterating, refining, and optimizing the service system. This ensures the public can not only ‘access medical care’ but also ‘receive good medical care’ at their ‘doorstep,’ making every medical visit more warm and rewarding.”

The deep meaning behind Shapingba District’s current city slogan, “Shapingba, Good Doctors,” was also explained. It was stated that this is not just simple praise; behind it lies the relentless pursuit of prioritizing people’s welfare. In the future, Shapingba District will continue to strengthen the close-knit medical community, solidify the下沉 (downward flow) of quality resources, and optimize doctor-patient communication channels. Through tangible, evaluable, and trustworthy medical services, the aim is to make “Shapingba, Good Doctors” a genuine口碑 (word-of-mouth reputation) among the public and a distinctive民生 (livelihood)名片 (name card).

Shapingba District

Shapingba District is a central urban district of Chongqing, China, historically significant as a major educational and cultural hub. It is best known as the site of the Shapingba Prison, a key Kuomintang detention center for political prisoners during the Chinese Civil War that is now a national patriotic education base. Today, the district is a modern area housing several major universities, including Chongqing University, and serves as a vital commercial and transportation center.

Chongqing

Chongqing is a major city in southwestern China, historically serving as the wartime capital during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). Today, it is a sprawling municipality known for its dramatic mountainous setting at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, its spicy Sichuan cuisine, and its role as a key economic and transportation hub in inland China.

First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University

The First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University, located in Chongqing, China, is a major military and civilian medical center with origins tracing back to its founding in 1957. It evolved from earlier medical institutions and is now a leading hospital directly under the People’s Liberation Army, renowned for its expertise in trauma medicine, burn treatment, and biomedical research.

Second Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University

The Second Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University, located in Chongqing, China, is a major military medical center with a history tracing back to its establishment in 1949. Originally founded to serve the healthcare needs of the military, it has evolved into a comprehensive hospital renowned for its medical treatment, research, and education, playing a significant role in both military and civilian healthcare systems.

Chongqing University Cancer Hospital

Chongqing University Cancer Hospital is a major oncology treatment and research center in Southwest China, affiliated with Chongqing University. It was originally established in 1943 as the Central Hospital of Chongqing, evolving over decades to specialize in comprehensive cancer care, prevention, and education. Today, it integrates advanced medical services with academic research as a key institution in the region’s healthcare system.

Shapingba District People’s Hospital

Shapingba District People’s Hospital is a major public healthcare institution serving the Shapingba District of Chongqing, China. While specific founding details are not widely published in English sources, such district-level hospitals in China were typically established in the mid-20th century as part of the expansion of the national public healthcare system. It plays a vital role in providing medical services, emergency care, and public health programs to the local community.

Chenjiaqiao Hospital

Chenjiaqiao Hospital, located in Shanghai, is a historic medical facility originally built in the 1920s. It was established to serve the local community and has operated for nearly a century, witnessing the city’s development through various eras. Today, it continues to function as a community hospital, representing a blend of historical architecture and modern healthcare services.

Hongyan Family Doctor

“Hongyan Family Doctor” is a modern community healthcare initiative in China, not a historical site. It represents a recent national policy shift, originating in the 2010s, to establish localized family doctor services aimed at providing primary and preventive care. Its “history” is part of the ongoing development of China’s grassroots public health system to improve accessible and continuous healthcare for residents.