Wudang's small health center becomes residents' first choice

Baiyi Township Health Center recorded a 35.8 percent year-on-year increase in outpatient visits from January to July this year. Its highly popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic saw a remarkable 561 percent surge in patient volume, and the total number of inpatients reached 405.

In line with the policy of maintaining each institution's administrative divisions, autonomy, and asset ownership, the Wudang District Medical Consortium General Hospital has been steadily advancing the integration of primary healthcare resources.

Wudang District Medical Consortium General Hospital is the only public non-profit medical institution established by the Wudang government. It was created through the integration of Wudang District People's Hospital, Wudang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, and Wudang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The consortium oversees five public community health service centers, eight township health centers, and 77 village clinics.

As a result, the geographically adjacent Xinchang Township Health Center and Baiyi Township Health Center have been combined into a joint health center.

Earlier this year, using the opportunities brought by the medical community reform, Baiyi Township Health Center established a comprehensive ward that integrates TCM outpatient services with combined Chinese–Western inpatient care. More than 20 new beds were added, significantly improving the medical environment for local residents.

The health center also regularly sends medical personnel to higher-level hospitals for further training, enabling them to apply advanced techniques and concepts in their daily work.

Ms Chen, a patient, explained that the Baiyi Township Health Center used to have outdated facilities and lacked many services. Combined with poor treatment conditions, this led many residents to seek care at urban hospitals instead.

"Now, the Baiyi Township Health Center is so much more convenient. I can get blood tests and imaging done right here without having to go to a big hospital," said local resident Wang Ping.

Mr Zhu, a 71-year-old patient who had endured chronic neck and shoulder pain with accompanying headaches for many years and had previously visited multiple hospitals.

During his hospitalization at Baiyi Township Health Center, the medical team developed a personalized treatment plan combining Chinese and Western medicine. With acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal therapies, his pain was significantly relieved. The center also provided follow-up outpatient treatments such as scraping therapy and cupping, which further eased his symptoms.