The Ministry of Health has issued the first residents' health cards in four areas. With the card, the public can set up life-long health records in the system's network, cutting down diagnosis time for patients and doctors alike.

With the card, the public can set up life-long health records in the system's network, cutting down diagnosis time for patients and doctors alike. [Xinhua]

The new health card is like a personal health ID. Containing identification and medical treatment records form the day you were born until the day you pass.

This little piece of plastic has been rolled out in four areas: Jinzhou, Erdos, Foshan and Henan Province. By promoting the health card, the ministry of health hopes to make the public more aware of the benefits.

Jin Xiangqiu, vice director of Liaoning No. 1 Hospital, said, "If a certain patient has received medical treatment in another hospital or neighbourhood clinic, by using this card, doctors from our hospital can be informed of their previous treatment record. It makes diagnosing patients and prescribing medicines more convenient for doctors."

But how does this card work? Let's find out!

Hospital staff in Jinzhou said, "By using this card, we can register for a certain department through this machine and pay for the registration fees. Afterwards when we go to certain rooms for diagnosis, it works in the same way. So we don't need to wait in line to pay bills anymore. It's really convenient."

Before issuing the card, the ministry of health had conducted much research in rural areas. At the moment, more than 60 percent of local farmers have set up their electronic medical records in the system's database.

After receiving the card, farmers are able to have medical treatment outside of their home town and settle bills after.

Jin Hua from Jinzhou Health Bureau, said, "In the past when receiving medical treatment, farmers have to pay first, and then reimburse the money with receipts. But now, with the help of this card, farmers only need to pay the part that they are in charge of at the hospital counter directly. From now on, they don't have to bring lots of cash to the hospital."

This little card will also help improve hospital service, save time for patients and ultimately boost doctor-patient relations.