How is the 15-minute break being effectively implemented in schools? What strategies can be employed to tackle challenges in health education? Recently, the Dongcheng District United Front Work Department in Beijing hosted the third special seminar of the “Zijin Tongxin Discussion Forum.” This event focused on advancing the objectives set forth by the 20th National Congress and promoting reforms in public health education, drawing attendance from numerous frontline workers in both education and healthcare.
Wang Haoyu, a member of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of China and a health teacher at Beijing No. 27 High School, was the first to address the audience. He highlighted critical issues including the lack of clear curriculum guidelines and insufficient support for teachers in health education at primary and secondary schools. Wang proposed establishing dedicated health education research offices and suggested that health subjects be recognized as second-tier specialties for teacher promotions.
Ma Qingxiao, an official from the National Health Commission’s Health Development Research Center and a member of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, discussed the promotion of coordinated development among medical services, health insurance, and pharmaceuticals, alongside deepening public hospital reforms with a public welfare focus. He explored challenges such as conflicts between patients and healthcare providers, competition among hospitals, and departmental disputes, while applying concepts from health finance.
Since its inception in December 2021, the “Zijin Tongxin Discussion Forum” has evolved into a significant platform for public figures in Dongcheng District to share suggestions and constructive ideas on pressing public issues.
Starting this fall semester, all compulsory education schools in Beijing will extend their breaks from 10 to 15 minutes. How can this additional time be leveraged to improve students’ physical and mental well-being? Fu Jinjin, principal of Hepingli No. 1 Primary School in Dongcheng District and a member of the China Democratic League, shared several approaches: adapting break schedules flexibly, creating open spaces to encourage outdoor activities, and raising awareness among parents about injury risks while seeking their understanding and support.
Throughout the meeting, healthcare professionals addressed the prevalent issue of misinformation in health education. “Internet celebrities” in the medical realm often spread inaccurate health information for attention, while qualified doctors at top hospitals find themselves restricted in public health messaging. Additionally, there is a significant absence of standardized practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine education, leading to superficial information dissemination and limited audience interaction.
Shao Kang, the deputy director of the Health and Wellness Committee of the Central Committee of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of China, shared his extensive experience in health education and stressed the importance of professional health awareness initiatives to improve public health literacy. “It’s not just about diagnosing and treating diseases; we need to educate patients on prevention and enhance their understanding of health,” he remarked.
Within a short span of two hours, the forum generated valuable insights and over ten informational contributions. Xiang Yu, deputy minister managing the daily operations of the Dongcheng District United Front Work Department, expressed his hope that participants would actively contribute to the “I will do something for Dongcheng” initiative, aiming to cultivate a team of experts known for their credibility and quality to further advance information efforts for the United Front in Dongcheng.
