Beijing's service hotline 12345 brings specific public service authorities closer to people in need to address their concerns.
All sub-districts, communities, functional departments, and public service enterprises in Beijing are connected through this phone number to easily help individuals and enterprises.
A CGTN's documentary "Hotline Beijing" introduces how citizens are using this service every day to settle disputes and help the city improve its governance.
One episode of the documentary highlights how dialing the hotline helps a resident deal with her shopping standoff.
Ma Ning is a successful businesswoman and the mother of a three-year-old. When she tried to get a replacement for clothing she'd bought her daughter, she had problems.
"I wasn't satisfied. My daughter needed an outfit. I clearly told the vendor I wanted size 110, but he still sent me size 120. And then he refused to exchange it. I called all day, without reply. Are there no regulations governing vendors? I wanted him to realize there are people overseeing such things. So I called 12345," she said.
After three days of arguing, the vendor still rejected Ma Ning's demand. So, backed into a corner, she called 12345.
"We're the masters of our city. I've got the right to criticize and make suggestions. This city is my home. I'm entitled to report it, if something's wrong. Even if I'm not the one who's been badly treated or whose interests have been impaired, I can still call 12345 to report it," Ma explained.
Her complaint to the hotline was relayed to Shuguang Sub-district in Beijing. Within an hour the vendor had completed the exchange. The trivial issue that had bothered Ms. Ma for three days was finally resolved. Ma later praised this service on Chinese social media platform Weibo.
"I was very happy with the outcome. The response was quick, efficient and warm. It was like dealing with a friend or neighbor. It felt genuine and sincere. Later, I posted on Weibo that Beijing's 12345 Hotline never lets you down," she said.
Beijing service hotline helps address residents' concerns
Chinese medical teams arrived at a medical aid station in Amarapura, Mandalay, one of the worst-hit areas by the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar, on Thursday, to offer medical consultations and treatment, and provide essential supplies to those affected by the disaster.
Mandalay in central Myanmar has been the hardest hit region after a powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck the country last Friday, with 2,053 people killed, 2,691 others injured and 210 people still missing as of Thursday, state-run daily Myanma Alinn reported on Friday.
As of Thursday, the death toll across the country from the earthquake had risen to 3,145, with 4,589 others injured and 221 missing, the Myanmar Radio and Television reported.
"My father was already in poor health, and when the house collapsed, his feet were injured. He was then taken to the hospital for treatment. His back and chest were also injured. He also suffers from other health problems," said a local resident.
"Currently, the most common injuries we have treated here are external wounds and fractures. At present, many locals can only stay outdoors. With the disruption of water supply, there is a high risk of diarrhea. Dengue fever is another common disease that often emerges after such a disaster. There is a severe shortage of medicines, and we were unprepared with earthquake measures or stockpiled supplies. Anti-inflammatory medications are urgently needed for external wounds and fractures. Due to prolonged exposure to the intense heat, saline solutions and energy drinks are also required. Additionally, medicines to treat diarrhea are urgently needed," said a Myanmar nurse.
Following the devastating earthquake, multiple Chinese rescue teams have arrived in the disaster-stricken areas, working with local responders to carry out relief operations.
To address the shortage of medical supplies, Chinese medical teams have brought large amounts of essential medicines with them. Meanwhile, Chinese medical personnel are collaborating with local doctors to provide assistance to quake-affected people.
"We call this a mobile pharmacy. After the earthquake, people have dispersed to various areas, making it difficult for many to access government hospitals. Today, we are here at a small medical aid station where there is an urgent need for medicines. The demand for supplies varies across different hospitals and medical stations, with some requiring more orthopedic medications, while others need more internal medicine supplies. To address these varying needs, we developed this innovative model, allowing them to select the specific medicines they require," said Xue Yu, leader of a civil medical team from China.
"Our main focus is to provide technical guidance, including conducting medical rounds and offering services at temporary settlements. Local hospitals should also pay attention to hygiene issues, as outbreaks of diseases can occur after major disasters. Simply treating patients may not be enough; efforts must also be made to prevent and control issues such as water contamination or diseases spread by mosquitoes. These are challenges need to be addressed in the later stages," said Zhang Tao, an orthopedic trauma surgeon from Tianjin Hospital, China.
Chinese medical teams provide assistance for quake-affected people in Mandalay
