Philips Brings HOPE to China

Philips Healthcare to bolster chronic disease management in China

Philips (PHG) and project HOPE, which aims at providing education and solutions to health problems, announced a joint effort to support major hospitals and community healthcare centers in China to deal with chronic diseases. Philips' Healthcare division will provide technical knowhow as well as finance part of the program costs. The program will focus on heart diseases, stroke and respiratory ailments.

This project aims to develop infrastructure as well as capacity of medical care centers to provide long-term treatment to patients suffering from these diseases. Philips will provide training as well as advanced facilities to the centers under this collaboration. Patients will receive guidance on skills for self-administered care to ensure a healthier lifestyle.

According to report published by the Ministry of Health, chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are major causes for death in China. However, the healthcare system is not sufficiently geared up to meet the challenge.

Moreover, the level of public education and awareness about the typical risk factors need to be enhanced. On an average, only one-fourth of the chronic disease patients utilize the facilities at community healthcare centers. The challenge facing healthcare reformists in China is spreading awareness and quality healthcare services at the micro level.

We remain bullish on Philips.

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