Since the Baotou Municipal People's Government released the Implementation Opinions on Fully Establishing a Medical Hub on Aug 28, 2023, the city's health and medical security system has advanced key initiatives, including medical resource integration, discipline development, and salary reform, achieving a series of landmark results.

Baotou Central Hospital completes the city's second robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. [Photo/Baotou news network]

However, the medical sector still has weaknesses and the gap between current medical services and the public's demand for high-quality medical care persists.

At the municipal symposium on medical development held on Feb 8, it was proposed that Baotou learn from the integration model of Baotou Central Hospital and Baotou No 8 Hospital. The city plans to employ administrative, market-driven, and economic strategies to optimize medical resource distribution.

Enhancing the discipline development of medical institutions is a key priority. Baotou aims to deepen interregional medical cooperation, using quality medical resources from the Beijing-Inner Mongolia and Shanghai-Inner Mongolia partnerships. Baotou will support expanding strong disciplines and refining specialized fields to improve the overall medical quality.

Efforts will also be made to enhance hospital management and service capabilities. This includes streamlining medical procedures, improving digital infrastructure, and ensuring the mutual recognition of imaging and diagnostic test results. These measures aim to enhance patient experiences and satisfaction.

Baotou will also focus on strengthening its medical workforce. By improving performance-based salary incentives and optimizing the professional title evaluation system, the city seeks to foster a culture of respect for medical professionals.

In 2024, Baotou prioritized the establishment of a medical hub as a key public initiative. It strives to continuously improve medical services and enhance public health and well-being.