Non-communist party to issue proposals on elder, child care

The local branch of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang (RCCK), one of China's non-communist parties, will focus on the needs of the elderly and children in the upcoming Shanghai "two sessions."

According to RCCK Shanghai Committee, one proposal it will file to the "two sessions" is about providing beds at elder-care institutions to meet demand, and reallocating beds in urban and suburban areas. Some institutions in neighboring areas of the Yangtze River Delta can also join this system.

The committee's investigations find that the number of available beds for senior care is far below demand, although some areas have beds that remain vacant.

The committee suggests that the city government can issue unified guidelines and policies on providing beds and cross-district elder care resource reallocation.

To help seniors living in districts far from home, the proposal suggests green channels for medical treatment and shuttle buses for their family members.

Institutions with vacant beds but aging facilities can be renovated to create a more comfortable environment.

Raising the quality of medical services, psychological counseling, cultural and entertainment events can attract elderly people as well.

The proposal also says a smart information platform should be established for seniors to make applications online, giving basic information about elder-care institutions and consulting services. It can collect information from seniors and guide them to institutions with vacant beds.

Meanwhile, the committee will also propose the integration of nursing services for children under 3 and preschool care and education for those aged between 3 and 6.

The proposal said that since there is a large gap for professionals in children's nursing, measures should be taken to build talent in this field.

The government can issue policies to open more related majors in local universities and vocational schools, according to the proposal. People with professional backgrounds in psychology, education and medicine should also be encouraged to join the childcare industry or give training to childcare workers.