Family doctor dropping by to visit a patient. |
Local people getting a physical exam at a community clinic. |
The centers’ action came in response to the findings of a recent survey, and included increased training and incentives for family doctors and encouraging general practitioners to join the family doctor services. And the response wasn’t bad, with the number of family doctors in the town increasing to 31, and the population served by each doctor dropping from 10,000 to around 2,000.
The centers provide clinic appointments, health management information and rehabilitation, and customized services such as genetic screening for deafness, remote diagnosis and free physical exams for those above 60.
The centers also have clinics where family doctors can see patients and provide physical exams and consultation, so they don’t have to run from place to place.