Summary of Key Points
On September 1st, Zhu Zhongming, Deputy Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, conducted research on the work related to people's livelihood during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. He visited childcare centers, nursing homes, disability employment service centers, and community health service centers, emphasizing the need to implement the concept of a "people-oriented city." He stressed the importance of using meticulous efforts to advance projects that address the urgent and difficult issues of the public. By increasing childcare resources, optimizing the elderly care network, assisting with disability employment, and enhancing community medical services, the goal is to make public services more equitable and of higher quality, so that the benefits of development can reach all citizens.
Detailed Analysis of Specific Topics
1. Childcare Services: Starting with the Young
The first stop of the research was Xinyue Kindergarten in Yangpu District, which has undergone "suitable-for-childcare" renovations (e.g., adding small beds and safety facilities) and still provides childcare services. Zhu Zhongming stated, "To promote a child-friendly city and high-quality population development, we must start with caring for children." The main reason young people are reluctant to have children is the lack of childcare options. Therefore, it is essential to build more childcare facilities and improve the quality of preschool education, so parents can feel confident sending their children there, which will encourage more births and a healthier population structure.
2. Elderly Care Services: A Happy Old Age at Home
Yixian Hongfu Nursing Home in Hongkou District is a community-based care facility that offers day care (where the elderly come for meals and activities during the day and return home at night), home delivery of hot meals, and specialized care for those with cognitive impairments (such as Alzheimer's disease). Zhu Zhongming emphasized the need to "optimize the elderly care service network," meaning that every community should have such facilities, allowing the elderly to receive care without having to travel far. This includes access to meals, medical services, and companionship, enabling them to live with dignity.
3. Disability Employment: Helping People with Disabilities to Work with Dignity
The city's disability employment service center has been upgraded to provide vocational training (e.g., teaching handicrafts or live-streaming sales), entrepreneurship support (helping them start small businesses), and job placement assistance. Zhu Zhongming pointed out that the welfare of people with disabilities is crucial for the quality of life in the city. The government should help them acquire new skills (e.g., through e-commerce live streaming, which does not require physical strength) so they can earn money and integrate into society, rather than relying solely on welfare.
4. Community Medical Services: Reducing the Need for Long Journeys to See a Doctor
The Dapuqiao Street Community Health Service Center in Huangpu District offers chronic disease management (regular check-ups for hypertension and diabetes patients), online telemedicine (prescriptions issued by doctors), and rehabilitation services. Zhu Zhongming called for the "improvement of community health service levels," meaning that community hospitals should become more capable of handling common illnesses (such as colds and toothaches) without the need for long waits at large hospitals. This not only saves time but also reduces the burden on these hospitals.
5. Core Principle: Allocating the Best Resources to the People
Zhu Zhongming concluded by saying, "All government efforts are aimed at improving people's lives," and he reiterated the need to "allocate the best resources to the people and provide high-quality services." This means that the government should ensure that all citizens, regardless of where they live (in the city center or suburbs), have access to quality schools, hospitals, and parks, so that everyone can benefit from the city's development.
Conclusion
This research focused on four key areas of people's livelihood: childcare, elderly care, disability support, and community medical services, which are of great concern to the public. Shanghai's approach is clear: by paying attention to these details and doing them well, the city aims to create a warm and people-oriented environment. For ordinary citizens, this may mean more childcare facilities, more convenient elderly care services, more job opportunities for people with disabilities, and easier access to medical care. These are tangible improvements that will enhance their quality of life.