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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) — In springtime, the streets and alleys of Beijing are lined with "999" non-emergency medical transportation and care service vehicles, a symbol of warm concern for the well-being of the people. From hospitals to neighborhoods, from homes to elderly care facilities, this service, focused on the needs of the elderly, provides a targeted response to their pressing problems and difficulties, realizing the "Healthy China" vision outlined at the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held in March 2026.
Population aging is a key national development issue in China. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, by the end of 2025, the population aged 60 and over in China will exceed 320 million. The government's work report, presented at the March session of the National People's Congress, clearly emphasized the need to further implement the national strategy for actively responding to population aging, expanding the availability of affordable elderly care services, and implementing programs to subsidize consumer spending on care services for the elderly with moderate to severe impairments. This series of measures has identified areas for addressing issues in the elderly care sector and strengthening the foundation for ensuring the well-being of the population. In Beijing, the Red Cross's non-emergency medical transportation and elderly care service, branded "999," is a shining example of how the national strategy is being implemented at the local level through concrete steps aimed at improving the living conditions of the population.
Unlike the 120 emergency service, the 999 service specialises in non-emergency medical transport and care for the elderly, thereby filling a gap in the provision of last-mile care services.
"Previously, to change my mother's urinary catheter, the whole family had to take time off work, bring her downstairs, and call an ambulance—it took half a day, and my mother was in a lot of pain," says Ms. Zhao, a resident of Longquan Community in Beijing's Xicheng District. Her mother, who is in her eighties, has to spend long periods of time in bed due to a fracture. Now, by calling 999, they can get a professional nurse who will come to them within 30 minutes. "There's no need to go to the hospital; everything can be done at home, which saves both money and stress. This is truly convenient for people," Ms. Zhao notes.
"999" services go beyond transportation and extend to even the most minute aspects of home care. Using the "999" platform, pilot "Happy Longevity" elderly care projects have been launched in many districts of Beijing, combining resources to provide professional medical and domestic services at home. Nineteen types of professional medical services, including nasogastric tube insertion, wound dressing, home blood draws, and other care services, including mealtime assistance, hygiene, and cleaning, are available with a single phone call or the press of a button. Some of these services are eligible for reimbursement through health insurance.
"My 85-year-old mother requires feeding through a nasogastric tube after a stroke. Previously, she had to go to the hospital to have the tube replaced monthly. Now, medical staff make regular home visits, which has significantly eased our burden," shares Ms. Zhang, a resident of Beijing's Chaoyang District. She says the "999" service makes home care more reliable, allowing her children to work undisturbed.
The 999 service currently operates six types of specialized vehicles, including vehicles for elderly care and medical transport. The medical staff accompanying patients are suitably qualified. Services include transportation within the city, intercity travel, home care, and other services.
From a city governance perspective, the standardized and citizen-focused development of the "999" service is an important measure for Beijing to optimize the allocation of public service resources. A clear division of functions—emergency assistance: 120, non-emergency: 999—allows limited ambulance resources to be focused on saving critical patients, while non-emergency transportation is professionalized and market-based. This model represents a replicable and scalable practical experience for the entire country in addressing the issue of an aging population and improving the elderly care service network.
The 999 cars on the streets of Beijing are more than just vehicles; they are the tangible embodiment of the customer-centric approach to building a "Healthy China." From national strategic planning to practical implementation on the ground, from targeted policy measures to the compassionate delivery of services, China, by offering diverse and high-quality elderly care services, ensures a happy retirement for hundreds of millions of seniors.
As China deepens its national strategy to actively respond to population aging, it will continue to expand and improve the quality of accessible elderly care services. Projects like "999," which are rooted in primary care and serve the population, will inevitably unite into a powerful force capable of protecting the lives of the elderly, writing a shining chapter in the annals of China's well-being in the new era.
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