(Changes around us) Exploring paths and sharing wealth- a health express train to build a -mini hospital- at your doorstep

In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Lin Gang, the deputy director of the medical department at the Second People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, about the innovative “5G + Health Shared Prosperity Mobile Clinic” that has recently arrived in the Zhuhai Water Rhythm community in Hangzhou.

As residents gathered eagerly in the community square to take advantage of the mobile clinic, one excited attendee, Aunt Wang, exclaimed, “The health clinic is back! Let’s hurry and get a B-scan!” The mobile clinic, affectionately known as the “health car,” has quickly become an essential service for the community.

Lin explained that this mobile clinic goes beyond typical health services; it functions like a mini-hospital on wheels. “We can conduct routine medical examinations and offer at-home health services for elderly residents, those with disabilities, or individuals facing mobility challenges,” he shared while putting on his bright red volunteer vest.

The compact but well-equipped vehicle features dedicated areas for consultation, examination, and sample collection, all stocked with essential medical equipment such as portable ultrasound machines, ECG monitors, and electronic blood pressure monitors. Residents can access a broad range of services—from general check-ups to specific tests like B-scans and blood draws—all conveniently provided within the vehicle.

Aunt Qiu expressed her appreciation, saying, “I found a small nodule during my last check-up. I’m thankful I can get a B-scan right outside my door today.” She recounted her experience inside the mobile clinic, where she detailed her symptoms to the attending physician before moving into a private consultation area.

Lin highlighted the patient-centered design of the mobile clinic, pointing out features like a private consultation room and automatic steps for easier access, all aimed at improving patient satisfaction.

Curious residents were also interested in whether the services provided by the mobile clinic could seamlessly connect with their existing health records. “Our mobile health clinic is powered by advanced 5G technology, enabling us to handle direct insurance billing right on-site. Moreover, remote consultations with specialist doctors are also possible,” Lin explained. He further clarified that their data system is interoperable with three district hospitals, allowing for real-time information sharing, appointment scheduling, and more, effectively addressing previous issues related to expert consultations and data management in mobile healthcare settings.

To keep the community well-informed, Lin mentioned that announcements about the clinic’s visits are disseminated through various channels, including social media, local health authorities, and community outreach programs.

Additionally, the Second People’s Hospital has enhanced its efforts by sending health specialists along with family doctors to provide on-site services like appointment scheduling, health report interpretation, and specialized screenings for seniors, bringing crucial health services directly to residents’ doorsteps.

With the backing of 5G technology, Lin concluded, health and happiness are rapidly making their way to every corner of the community.

For years, Zhejiang Province has actively worked to improve healthcare capabilities in rural areas, aiming to ensure residents feel secure and content knowing they have access to medical professionals without leaving the province. Mobile healthcare clinics are a vital component of this mission, extending high-quality medical resources to grassroots levels and enhancing the equity and accessibility of primary health services.

Currently, as part of this initiative, Zhejiang has deployed 444 mobile clinics, fulfilling many critical service functions and ensuring equitable healthcare is accessible to all residents.