Having a family doctor is no longer a dream for average citizens of Jinan. Beicun Community Health Center of Jinan Fourth People's Hospital launched family doctor contract services on Dec. 11, providing basic medical services free of charge for over 65 years old residents and diabetes patients.

"In Jinan, this is the first time citizens can enjoy a regular family doctor services by signing a contract," Zhang Yunli, Women's Federation Department of Jinan Health Bureau said at the signing ceremony.

After signing a contract, citizens in the Beicun community can enjoy a number of free healthcare services, including physical examination for over 65 years old citizens, check-ups for pregnant women and home examination for children up to six years old.

"Residents can choose to reap the benefits of these contracted services, and our services are free," Han Tao, a doctor at the center, said. "The community has 20,000 residents, and our doctors will be divided into six teams that will each be assigned to corresponding communities."

Yang Hua, an official of Jinan Fourth People's hospital said: "[The services] can provide more chronic diseases patients healthcare from the health center, which also helps the hospital to formulate its database and protocol."