A national arts exhibition opened on Saturday in Beijing to commemorate the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Themed "Ode to the Nation," the exhibition will showcase more than 400 modern and contemporary art masterpieces covering a variety of genres, such as traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy and sculpture.
Co-hosted by the China National Academy of Painting and the social education program center of the China Media Group (CMG), the event was held at the China National Academy of Painting.
"Artists have different ways of expression in different periods, but they share common love for the motherland. This exhibition allows visitors to see the great changes and development of Chinese art, as well as Chinese society over the past 75 years," said Liu Wanming, vice chairman of China Artists Association, and director of the China National Academy of Painting.
The works depict China's efforts to achieve prosperity over the past decades, as the country persevered through trials and tribulations.
"Just like our country, the fine arts industry in China is also thriving. There is a wide variety of styles for celebrated artists in China, which provides visual enjoyment and aesthetic education promotion for audience," said Chang Zhaohui, director of Shandong Painting Academy.
"As an artist of the young generation, I think we must uphold fundamental principles, break new ground, and take root in tradition. On the other hand, we should also have the courage to actively explore the present world, and constantly create our own works," said Jia Wei, a member of Beijing Pastel Painting Research Association.
Art masterpieces on display to mark 75th founding anniversary of PRC
Shanghai, a leading medical hub in China, is endeavoring to develop a comprehensive hospice care service system to offer enhanced medical treatment and more attentive emotional support to patients in their final stages of life.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in October. More and more people have come to understand that hospice care is not synonymous with giving up treatment. Instead, it refers to an approach that aims to improve the quality of life for patients struggling with life-limiting illnesses, enabling them to live with increased dignity.
Putuo District in Shanghai is among the first pilot areas in China to carry out hospice care services, which has established an integrated hospice service system since 2017 involving 12 community healthcare centers and technical assistance from local hospitals.
Wang, a 94-year-old patient with cerebral infarction, has received professional medical treatment and attentive emotional care in the hospice ward at the healthcare center of Changzheng Town Community in the district since mid-March this year.
"In terms of medical treatment, this center offers a whole set of professional programs that I find effective. Even if I could afford to hire a caregiver for my mom at home, she is not equipped with the right medical facilities and expertise as like here, and I still cannot help it and have to send her to the hospital. So I think the hospice care here is very desirable," said Wang's son.
The palliative care team at the healthcare center of Changzheng Town Community is made up of various professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, volunteers, and even psychological counselors. They can provide personalized services to patients in the late stages of serious illnesses where the chances of a cure are limited.
Over the past year, the community healthcare center saw a notable increase in admissions, with 268 patients against 150 the previous year. Patients can access medical services at affordable rates at the center.
"The daily treatment cost for each patient is about 400 yuan (about 57 U.S. dollars), with most of these expenses covered by medical insurance. Patients and their families only need to pay for caregiver services and meals as extra charges," said Hua Zhijia, deputy director of the community healthcare center.
Patients receiving palliative care within communities can be transferred to larger hospitals for advanced medical treatment if their condition deteriorates and becomes more complex, and they can return to community healthcare centers once their symptoms improve.
"Each year, there are usually 500 to 600 cases of patient referrals to larger hospitals or back to community centers, which means that about 50 to 60 patients require referral services each month," said Wu Ying, deputy director of Liqun Hospital in Putuo District.
Shanghai improves hospice care service system
