Elite Initiative Launches to Advance High-Quality Development of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in Public Hospitals

Source: Global Times

On January 7, the launch meeting of the "Elite Engagement · '15th Five-Year Plan' High-Quality Development Project for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in Public Hospitals," guided by the National Health Commission's Health Development Research Center, jointly organized by the Beijing Dàyī Public Welfare Foundation and the China Health Promotion Foundation, with public welfare support provided by Medtronic China, and with special academic guidance from the "Greater China Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Alliance" and the "China Obesity Alliance," was held in the People's Daily Health Client studio.

Policy Anchors on Public Health Needs, Cracking the Pain Points of Weight Loss Diagnosis and Treatment

Huang Er'dan, Minister of the Health Strategy and Service System Research Department at the China National Health Development Research Center, pointed out in her keynote speech that China has become one of the countries with the largest obese population in the world. The disease and economic burden caused by overweight/obesity and related chronic diseases is increasingly heavy. However, obesity has not yet been included as an independent chronic disease in the national tertiary healthcare system, and the prevention and treatment system remains incomplete.

Based on this, promoting the high-quality development of the weight management system is key to enhancing residents' health literacy and achieving the goal of "Healthy China." In the future, an integrated weight control management system that is stratified, graded, and linked at all levels should be established, with exploration into incorporating standardized bariatric surgery into medical insurance, forming a management network that covers the entire population and the full life cycle.

Standardized Industry Diagnostic and Treatment Pathways, Strengthening the Foundation of Talent Cultivation

Facing the current obesity situation and complex health needs, the construction of clinical disciplines is evolving towards a more refined and systematic direction. Professor Zhang Zhongtao, Chairman of the China Obesity Alliance and professor at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, proposed that "obesity studies" should be established as an independent clinical medical discipline.

Zhang Zhongtao introduced that the development of metabolic surgery for weight loss in China has been rapid, and the surgery has shown significant efficacy in treating metabolic diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver. However, issues like heterogeneity in clinical outcomes and uneven regional development still exist. To address this, the "Elite Promise" project will focus on enhancing young doctors' clinical skills, research capabilities, science popularization, and leadership. Through systematic training, it aims to cultivate a new generation of core discipline specialists and improve the standardization of diagnosis and treatment.

Enterprises Link Global Resources to Boost Local Innovation

Medtronic Surgical Global President Matt Anderson stated in his speech that China's surgical market is thriving, with significant advancements in bariatric and metabolic surgery. The Chinese government’s inclusion of healthy weight management in the "Healthy China" strategy has driven the transformation of healthcare models toward a "health-centered" approach, perfectly aligning with Medtronic's mission to "alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life." As a global leader in medical technology, Medtronic has always been in sync with the development of China's healthcare system. We have not only introduced cutting-edge surgical solutions but also empowered clinical practices through continuous technological innovation and localized collaborations.

Medtronic Greater China Vice President of Surgical Business, Zang Jing, further elaborated on the company's localization commitment during an on-site speech. Zang Jing shared that Medtronic has been deeply rooted in China for over thirty years, not only providing innovative solutions but also promoting technical standardization through training. Medtronic is willing to fully support with its innovative platforms and resources to push the project forward, ultimately contributing to the common goal of "Healthy Weight, Better Life."

Cao Shan, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, stated that Medtronic has always placed high importance on the Chinese market, firmly supporting the deepening of local layout and innovation investment. It is actively transitioning from a technology "introducer" to a "co-builder" of local innovation, striving to contribute to the implementation of the "15th Five-Year Plan" and the improvement of medical standards. The "Elite Promise" project will support public health and physician growth by promoting activities such as the Weight Management Clinic Forum and standardized science popularization, guiding the public to adopt scientific weight management concepts and develop healthy eating and exercise habits for a healthier lifestyle.

The launch of this "Elite Alliance" special project is a concrete practice of the government, enterprises, and academia responding to China's health strategy. Zang Jing believes that as consensus builds among all parties and pragmatic projects are carried out, the initiative will provide a more innovative and sustainable "China solution" to address the significant public health challenge of obesity.