| | October 2019 19With almost 1.4 billion people, and an increasingly ageing population, China's healthcare services are facing an enormous challenge. It is estimated that in the next 30 years, the proportion of China's population over 65 will rise to almost 500 million people, or around 25 per cent of the population.Since 1980, the combination of increased female workforce participation and the one child policy have reduced birth rates and lead to pronounced demographic imbalances, particularly within urban centers. The Chinese government has recognized these imbalances, and beginning January 2016 has officially shifted to a two child policy. This change has been stated as an "active response to an ageing population." While it remains to be seen if this change in policy will help address the challenges of an ageing population, it does indicate that the government is ready and willing to tackle these challenges.One urban center particularly focused on improving aged and healthcare is Qingdao, a coastal city in north-east China, close to Beijing and the Korean peninsula. It is one of China's largest and most prosperous cities, with a population of around 9 million people. Qingdao represents a modern, affluent China, which embraces innovation and demands the best goods and services, including their citizen's healthcare.There is a strong family culture within China which values the care of elderly relatives at home, alongside stated government policies which prioritize aged care within the home. This may come under increased pressure as middle-income couples care for two sets of grandparents as well as their own children.The government of China delivers healthcare to hundreds of millions of people every day, including traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine healthcare, and will always be looking to improve efficiencies in primary care and prevention.Connected healthcare can help automate diagnostics and streamline care within clinical settings, allowing specialists to priorities more effectively, and community healthcare and community hospitals to provide improved healthcare services.Outside of traditional healthcare institutions, there is also a great opportunity for innovative healthcare solutions. As the economy and lifestyles within China continue to modernize, healthcare delivery is also becoming increasingly personalized, shifting away from centralized government programs towards more tailored, patient-focused solutions.The result of this is an increasing demand for healthcare solutions that are efficient, affordable, and effective in managing health outside of clinical settings.Partnering with local companies can help bring together external specialization and local knowledge, and successfully China Embracing Connected HealthBY GEOFF FEAKES, GROUP CIO, TUNSTALL HEALTHCARECIO TALK
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