Core Insights - The article discusses the development and significance of palliative care in China, highlighting the personal journey of Yang Jie, who transitioned from a finance career to founding a palliative care organization [2][4][32] - Palliative care is defined as a multidisciplinary approach focused on providing comprehensive support to terminally ill patients and their families, aiming to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life [3][4] - The increasing recognition and legislative support for palliative care in China, including the establishment of relevant policies by the National Health Commission, is emphasized [3][4] Group 1: Palliative Care Development - Yang Jie has been instrumental in promoting palliative care in China through the Chunmiao-Guanyuan Palliative Care Special Fund, which has been operational for nearly four years [2][4] - The organization has collaborated with several hospitals, providing over 1,500 cases of in-hospital palliative care management and more than 200 instances of home-based support and online consultations from 2022 to 2024 [2][3] - The role of medical social workers in palliative care is highlighted as crucial for effective patient support, with a push for more hospitals to establish such positions by 2025 [4][4] Group 2: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the growing interest in palliative care, there remains a significant gap in home-based services, which Yang Jie believes could fulfill many patients' wishes and reduce healthcare costs [4][4] - The article notes the challenges in fundraising for palliative care services, as the nature of the work often does not provide immediate feedback to donors [11][12] - Yang Jie emphasizes the need for a sustainable model that combines philanthropy and business to ensure the longevity of palliative care services [23][30] Group 3: Societal Perspectives on Death - The article discusses the general reluctance of the Chinese public to confront the topic of death, leading to a lack of preparation for terminal situations [14][15] - Yang Jie reflects on the societal need for better education and openness regarding death, suggesting that younger generations are more willing to engage in discussions about mortality [31][32] - The importance of addressing emotional and psychological aspects of dying for both patients and their families is underscored, as many experience feelings of regret and unpreparedness [28][29]