Recently, the Civil Aviation Administration of China ("CAAC") and the National Health Commission ("NHC") have jointly distributed the Implementation Plan for the Joint Pilot Program on Air Medical Care (the "Plan").
The Plan states that it has been decided to jointly initiate a pilot program on air medical care in 12 provinces (and municipalities directly under the Central Government), including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province, from the date when this Plan is released to December 31, 2020. According to the objectives set, the Plan sets out work arrangements, specifies their priority levels, makes clear the deadlines, and provides a detailed name list of the concerned medical institutions and relevant work requirements. The Plan schedules four tasks for this joint pilot program, including 1. establishing a communication mechanism by improving coordination and collaboration and unblocking information channels; 2. reinforcing safe operations by ensuring the functional performance of aircrafts and relevant facilities and equipment, enhancing the capacity to respond to emergencies and practically safeguarding the aviation safety; 3. observing the code of medical practices; and 4. improving the efficiency of services. Furthermore, the Plan clarifies conditions that medical staff engaged in the air medical care shall meet and requirements for their capabilities.