Global healthcare company Abbott launched the 12th Green Ribbon Action on Friday to advocate for better care of the digestive system, in conjunction with World Constipation Awareness Day.

The campaign called for an integrated in-hospital and out-of-hospital management of digestive system diseases and the appropriate use of medicines for gut-related issues, providing comprehensive care for patients.

"As part of the campaign, we are committed to raising public awareness on digestive health and standardized treatment by providing free consultation, health education and training for pharmacists. By bridging in-hospital and out-of-hospital care, we aim to advance standardized treatment for digestive diseases," said professor Qian Jiaming, an initiator of the action and former chief physician of the department of digestive diseases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Due to unhealthy lifestyle, functional digestive disorders have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with the incidence of chronic constipation showing a year-on-year rise and demonstrating a trend toward affecting the younger group, experts said.

It is estimated that 4 to 10 percent of adults in China suffer from recurrent constipation, with the figure rising to 22 percent for those aged 60 or older, according to national studies. Moreover, chronic constipation impacts management of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes and Parkinson's disease, according to experts.

Li Jingnan, a doctor from the department of digestive diseases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, recommended that patients adjust their lifestyle by increasing dietary fiber intake, drinking adequate water, and using medications like lactulose when necessary.

Over the years, the Green Ribbon Action has trained more than 5,000 medical professionals in 20 provincial-level regions across the country. Abbott said it will continue to contribute to standardizing the treatment of digestive diseases in the country and support the Healthy China Initiative.