China Expands Rehabilitation Efforts for Pneumoconiosis Patients

In a significant development for public health, China has set up more than 900 rehabilitation stations dedicated to assisting patients with pneumoconiosis, which are strategically located in towns and communities where the majority of these patients reside. According to Li Jun, an official from the National Health Commission (NHC), these stations, which are associated with local health centers, have provided over a million patients with free and accessible services. The services offered include an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese medicine, physical activity, psychological support, and nutritional guidance.

While pneumoconiosis is currently deemed incurable, standardized treatment and rehabilitation pathways have been established that can help slow the disease's progression and enhance the overall quality of life for patients. During the briefing, Li highlighted that occupational health issues linked to inadequate work practices and work-induced stress have become increasingly evident. As a response to this evolving landscape, the NHC has updated the classification and catalog of occupational diseases.

Notably, last December, the catalog was expanded to include occupational musculoskeletal diseases and mental and behavioral disorders, aligning it more closely with international standards set by organizations like the International Labour Organization. This updated classification encompasses 135 diseases distributed across 12 different categories and will officially come into effect on August 1, marking a significant step forward in occupational health management in China.