Shanxi has trained more than 13,000 community doctors in the prevention and control of high blood pressure since a national hypertension program was launched in the province during November 2016.

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in China and community doctors often lack the skills to effectively treat patients and help prevent hypertension.

The program, conducted by the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Chinese Hypertension League aimed to enhance the professional skills of doctors for preventing and controlling hypertension, regulate community-level management of services targeting hypertension patients, and reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular disease.

There have been 52 medical lectures, and 118 voluntary medical consultations and promotions since the program was promoted in Shanxi. The program has been well-received with more than 17,000 residents receiving treatment and 200 phone calls being answered at the hotline.

The program has been included in Shanxi's key medical projects for 2018. In addition, a medical training program targeting hypertension patients, as well as the China Cholesterol Education Program will be initiated in the province.