Shanghai Opens Medical Escort Services to All Residents Aged 60 and Above

Journalists learned from the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau that recently, in conjunction with the Municipal Health Commission, the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, and the Consumer Protection Commission, a plan to comprehensively promote elderly medical escort services has been issued. The Bureau provided detailed answers regarding the service content, fee standards, agency screening, and professional entry thresholds that concern elderly citizens and their families.

It is reported that the elderly medical escort service is open to individuals aged 60 and above, with service standards and training requirements tailored to the needs of the elderly. There is no household registration restriction — elderly people from outside Shanghai may also purchase the service. Service content includes but is not limited to accompanying seniors to medical institutions, assisting with or handling medical procedures, facilitating doctor-patient communication, providing psychological comfort, and reminding them to take medication as prescribed. The plan requires escort service agencies to set reasonable prices, with service content, fee items, and standards clearly displayed in prominent locations. For low-income and economically disadvantaged seniors, districts are encouraged to include escort services within the scope of elderly care service subsidies or provide support through charitable resources.