Defibrillators to be made available in public spots

Automated external defibrillators, medical devices used to restore normal heart rhythm to people experiencing cardiac arrest, will be made available in public spaces nationwide, according to a guideline recently released by the National Health Commission.

The decision was announced amid public urging for the need to tackle cardiac emergencies in places like transportation hubs and cultural facilities.

Public venues with large flows of people and relatively enclosed places that lack access to prompt pre-hospital emergency medical AID services will be given priority in deploying the devices.

They should be installed in a fixed position that is conspicuous and both easy to find and access, with standardized signage.

Places already equipped with AEDs should mark them on floor plans and post location information at main entrances and exits, as well as in placement areas for the devices.

A circular issued by the commission's general office for implementing the guideline also encouraged eligible localities to develop digital maps for AEDs located in their catchment areas in order to make it easier for the public to locate them.

The circular encouraged local authorities to use internet technologies and build remote management systems in order to monitor and manage operations and maintenance in real time.

Local health administrative departments should arrange for qualified individuals to provide technical support in applying and configuring devices, and to carry out training in first aid skills, including the proper use of AEDs, the circular said.

Rural areas to get more medical professionals

A tuition-free bachelor program is training over 63,000 medical students for deployment in rural areas in central and western regions of the country, where medical staff and resources are greatly needed, the Ministry of Education said.
Graduates of the program will be recruited by medical institutions in these areas.

At a news conference on Dec 29, the Ministry of Education said that the program will step up efforts to train medical practitioners for jobs in rural areas.

Wu Yan, a ministry official, said the program will enroll students based on actual need in rural areas and will ensure graduates are employed in these areas.

The ministry will also bolster support for colleges and universities in central and western regions, particularly to make up for the shortage of general practitioners, Wu said, adding that greater collaboration between government authorities, colleges and employers will be instituted to improve the training and employment of the students to ensure they are able to serve medical facilities at the county and township levels.

Publishing industry embraces new plan

The 14th Five-Year Plan for the publishing industry has been unveiled by the National Press and Publication Administration to boost quality, profits, competitiveness and influence.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), the industry is to focus on providing more quality products and services to meet increasing needs.
The plan also underscored a key mission, which is to lay a solid foundation for turning China into a publishing powerhouse.

Additional missions also include expanding digital publishing, strengthening the print industry, building a sound, modern market system, and promoting high-quality overseas development.