The Regulations of Beijing Municipality on Improving Language Environment for International Exchanges is the first local regulations on improving international language environment. It covers three areas, i.e. foreign language facilitation in public services, standardization of foreign language signage, and public engagement.

 

The Regulations aim to improve Beijing's foreign language environment for international exchanges, facilitate all-round opening up and boost the city's quality development.

 

In recent years, great efforts have been made to create an environment for foreigners to have convenient healthcare service. Foreign language services are an important part of it. Today we will talk about foreign language services concerning this area in Beijing.

 

Each municipal hospital has designated a specific department for the standardization of foreign language signs. For hospitals where signs have been set up, the main task is to check and make sure that the signs are correct. For example, in 2022, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control has replaced 17 signs, set up nine new ones, and removed one sign after a thorough inspection.

 

For newly built hospitals, such as Tongzhou Campus of Anzhen Hospital, the main task is to make sure all bilingual signs be reviewed by their foreign affairs departments beforehand. No new signs shall be set up without review.

 

Bilingual guide signs are available in all public areas at hospitals such as outpatient and emergency buildings, operating rooms, and fever clinics, providing convenience for all patients.

 

Staff at the reception desks are always ready to provide help for foreign patients in need in terms of registration, seeing a doctor, physical check etc. Foreign language interpretation is also available for 120 hotline.

 

 

In addition, bilingual registration services and medical reports in English are now available on the "Jingyitong" self-service terminals at some hospitals. The official website of the Municipal Health Commission provides information in four languages, including Chinese, English, French and Japanese, to meet the needs of both Chinese and foreigners.

 

Municipal hospitals also organize experts with overseas study experience to provide international medical services for foreign patients.

 

Source: Radio Beijing International