Several TCM hospitals suspend inpatient delivery services to optimize regional resources

Multiple traditional Chinese medicine hospitals across China are suspending inpatient delivery services as part of plans to optimize regional medical resources.

In Anhui province, Guangde TCM Hospital said it stopped offering delivery services from Sept 10 under a municipal health optimization plan, according to the statement from the hospital, adding that it will continue to provide prenatal care, check-ups and maternity clinic services.

Similar moves are underway elsewhere. Licheng district hospital in Putian, Fujian province, will suspend obstetric delivery services from Saturday, while continuing to provide prenatal examinations and consultations. Ganzhou Huangjin Hospital in Jiangxi also announced the termination of delivery services effective Sept 8, shifting its focus to prenatal and postpartum management, women's rehabilitation, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecology.

Several traditional Chinese medicine hospitals are leading this transition. Yunfu TCM hospital in Guangdong province, for instance, discontinued delivery services from July 16 to strengthen its TCM gynecological specialties. The hospital has established a referral pathway with the local maternal and child health hospital to ensure care continuity.

Likewise, Yuhuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Zhejiang has also phased out obstetric delivery services in May while maintaining outpatient services such as prenatal and postnatal care, prenatal check-ups, and postpartum rehabilitation.