Smart medical care provides more compassionate services

At the China International Supply Chain Expo, the exhibition area dedicated to the healthy living supply chain highlighted a key trend in modern healthcare: the integration of advanced technology into elder care.

Innovations such as the Metabolic Management Center (MMC) Health Hub are indicative of a shift towards more accessible healthcare services, offering a range of physical examinations closer to home for the elderly without going to the hospital.

This mini-station provides a one-stop solution for various physical examinations, including tests for body mass index, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fundus lesions and arteriosclerosis.

"Some examinations are available only in large hospitals. But with the MMC Health Hub established in communities and pharmacies, the elderly can conveniently access these services right at their doorstep, eliminating the need to visit a hospital," said Cai Beibei, an exhibitor from Omron, a Japanese firm that specializes in automation control and electronic equipment, which provides this one-stop service.

The number of these health hubs has been growing. The first MMC Health Hub opened in Shanghai in 2020, and as of mid-August, the number has grown to 74, spanning 28 provinces in China, according to Cai. The company has plans to establish 1,000 hubs by 2027 and to increase accessibility to medical testing services for seniors in community settings.

Cai further details the structure of the supply chain of the elderly care industry, consisting of the upstream of technology and equipment supply, the midstream of elder care products and services, and the downstream of market demand.

"We position ourselves in the middle and upstream segments of the elderly care industry chain," Cai noted. "Our focus is on providing medical health products and chronic disease management services to the elderly, with the aim of constructing a more intelligent and personalized eldercare ecosystem."

"The goal is to extend hospital management systems and professional equipment to local communities or pharmacies. This extension is aimed at achieving one-stop chronic disease testing and consultation services at the doorstep," Cai said.

This effort aligns with the "Healthy China 2030" plan, a national strategy to improve the health of the Chinese population. The strategy, among its various objectives, aims to improve medical and health service systems for the elderly and extend the reach of these services into community settings.

It is part of China's efforts to address its aging population. As of 2022, individuals aged 60 and above comprised 19.8 percent of China's population, with those 65 and older making up 14.9 percent, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Increasing personalization in healthcare industry

The advancements in elder care and accessibility are just one aspect of the broader innovations in healthcare services and products. With the growth of the silver economy, an increasing number of companies are venturing into the elderly care sector, with a focus on offering personalized services tailored to the specific needs of the elderly.

Wu Zhiyi, deputy director of the marketing center at Winner Medical Group, a firm specializing in wound care and surgical supplies, categorizes the elderly into two groups: those who are relatively healthy and self-sufficient, and those who require healthcare.

Echoing the industry trend towards personalization in healthcare, Wu underscored the importance of customizing services for elderly individuals, particularly those with disabilities.

"To enhance comfort and care, especially for those who are bedridden for extended periods, we use high-quality pure cotton fabrics that are highly breathable and to help prevent bedsores," Wu told CGTN.

As companies strive to meet the diverse needs of an aging population, there is also a focus on enhancing medical procedures and supplies to ensure safety and efficiency. Wu mentions a new disposable surgical drape tailored to operation needs.

This surgical drape offers greater personalization and can be customized to accommodate the diverse needs of patients, tailored to specific wounds and types of surgeries. Being disposable, it also eliminates the cleaning process, saving time for both patients and healthcare providers.

"Typically, surgery requires four or five layers of drapes. However, this specific surgical drape is designed with a hole to expose the wound for operation, thereby needing only a single layer," Wu said, adding that the design not only streamlines the process but can also effectively reduce the risk of infection during surgery.

"We're currently working to get these hospital-grade products covered by medical insurance to make them accessible to more people," Wu added.