Chongqing- The Chongqing Municipal Health Commission has publicly announced the first batch of 11 foreign-related hospitals to establish a 24-hour bilingual (Chinese and English) consultation telephone hotline, which will provide more efficient and convenient medical services for foreigners in Chongqing.

Yang Bin, director of the International Cooperation Division of the Chongqing Municipal Health Commission, offered further background to the new service. Chongqing plays an integral role in joint construction and development of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle while making every effort to build an international exchange center in the central-western region of China.

As more international exchange activities are being held in Chongqing, the number of foreign institutions, enterprises, and organizations settling in Chongqing has been on the increase, and ever more foreigners are working and living in Chongqing to participate in the city’s development.

This first batch of 24-hour bilingual consultation telephones hotlines will offer internationally orientated services for foreigners in Chongqing, and enhance the desirability of this international metropolis as an open, inclusive, and friendly living environment.

Hospitals designated to provide bilingual medical consultation hotlines are in locations that regularly host international exchange activities.

Yang Bin explained that most hospitals that set up a bilingual hotline were in locations that frequently host international exchange, famous tourist attractions, or places where foreigners often congregate. "Two major considerations for designated hospitals were geographical location, and the ability to provide foreign-related medical services."

In addition, most staff assigned to bilingual consultation possess medium to long-term work and study experience overseas, are proficient in oral communication, and are familiar with hospital medical procedures with practical clinical experience.

The 24-hour consultation services provide foreigners with general information about the hospitals, departments, personnel, triage, diagnosis, and treatment, in addition to English language assistance over courses of medical treatment.

At present, six hospitals, including The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University,  the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Tumor Hospital of Chongqing University, and the Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Hospital, have created English web pages.

Telephone hotlines for bilingual medical consultation in Chongqing;