Political advisors call for improved hospice care

China's political advisors on Thursday called improvements to hospice care and better palliative therapy.

Speaking at a regular bi-weekly seminar held by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, the country's top political advisory body, political advisors lamented the lack of social recognition and professionals in the field, as well as insufficient government support.

They suggested that efforts should be made to promote hospice care, set up more hospice venues, and include the service into Chinese citizen's social insurance.

Trainings for doctors and nurses in the field should also be enhanced, whereas standards and procedures for hospice care should be worked out.

A cross-departmental coordination system shall be established to promote hospice care starting from the urban areas, they said.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presided over the seminar.