Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the urgent need for improved palliative care in China, highlighting that nearly 30,000 people die daily, which underscores the importance of making "good death" a public concern and accessible service for all [3][8]. Group 1: Current State of Palliative Care - Palliative care, also known as end-of-life care, aims to provide comfort and support to patients in the terminal stages of illness, focusing on symptom control and emotional support for both patients and families [4][5]. - The World Health Organization's principles of palliative care stress the importance of recognizing death as a normal process and providing relief from pain and discomfort without hastening or delaying death [5]. Group 2: Policy and Regulatory Framework - The Chinese government has initiated policies to promote palliative care, including the inclusion of palliative care centers in the medical institution directory, which marks a significant step in legal support for the industry [6][9]. - The "Healthy China" initiative has laid the groundwork for palliative care development, with specific guidelines and standards established for palliative care centers since 2017 [6][9]. Group 3: Challenges and Obstacles - Despite policy support, the quality of end-of-life care in China remains low, with issues such as inadequate pain management and lack of psychological support being prevalent [7][9]. - Payment mechanisms pose a significant challenge, as current reimbursement systems may not adequately cover palliative care services, affecting accessibility and sustainability [9][10]. Group 4: Future Directions and Opportunities - The recent national planning documents emphasize the need to enhance the care system for elderly individuals, including expanding palliative care services [11][12]. - The integration of palliative care into public health strategies is deemed necessary to address the growing demand due to an aging population and to fulfill ethical responsibilities [13]. Group 5: Company Initiatives - TaiKang has established a comprehensive palliative care model, providing multidisciplinary services across 10 facilities in 9 cities, with plans to expand to 15 facilities and increase bed capacity to nearly 150 by next year [14]. - The company focuses on a four-in-one model of palliative care, which includes comfort care, humanistic care, and grief therapy, with dedicated staff for each aspect, contrasting with the reliance on volunteers in many hospitals [14].

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]