China to Address Gaps in Pediatric and Mental Health Services (2025-2027)

The National Health Commission (NHC) of China has announced plans to address gaps in pediatric and mental health services from 2025 to 2027. This initiative, designated as the "Years of Pediatric and Mental Health Services," aims to improve access to these crucial services for children and adolescents across the country.

The NHC plans to significantly expand the availability of pediatric services, ensuring "broad coverage" by 2027. This will involve making these services accessible at primary-level healthcare facilities, including community health stations, township-level health centers, village clinics, and outpatient departments. Notably, by 2025, all general hospitals at secondary and tertiary levels will also offer pediatric services. This expansion aims to alleviate the burden on major hospitals, which often experience overcrowding, especially during winter when respiratory illnesses are prevalent among children.

The NHC also recognizes the growing need for mental health services, particularly for children and adolescents. The initiative will establish more state and regional centers for mental disorders and develop key clinical specialties in this field. By 2025, outpatient services for mental and sleep disorders will be available at a minimum of one hospital in each prefecture and city nationwide. Additionally, the unified mental health hotline, 12356, will be promoted and all similar hotlines will be connected to it by May 1, 2025.

Recognizing the importance of early intervention, the NHC aims to have over 95% of schools in China equipped with full-time or part-time instructors for mental health education by 2025. This aligns with the three-year national action plan launched in 2023, which emphasizes mental health education for children and adolescents.

To ensure the success of this initiative, the NHC plans to invest in training and development of professionals in pediatric and mental health fields. This may include adjustments to salaries and treatment to attract and retain qualified personnel in these departments.

The "Years of Pediatric and Mental Health Services" represents a significant step towards improving the well-being of children and adolescents in China. By expanding access to essential services and investing in professionals, the NHC aims to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for the mental and physical health of the younger generation.