Beijing’s Huilongguan Hospital has been chosen to host a pilot scheme to develop a government-led treatment alliance for the care of schizophrenia patients.

The program, supported by the Ministry of Health, aims to build a network of government hospitals and community centers which can help those suffering from the disease to recover and return to leading an independent life.

Yang Fude, president of the hospital, said on Thursday that it plans to develop the alliance by holding lectures for grassroots medical workers and other people in the community, which will be aimed at helping them understand the disease, and how to provide long-term care for people suffering from it.

“This is a chronic disease that can last a lifetime. Large percentages of patients get relapses,” said Yang.

“There are many misunderstandings about it too, and some stigmatize against it and think it is the result of immoral conduct.”

Yang said one of the biggest issues for doctors dealing with schizophrenic patients is convincing them to continue taking their medication.

“Many stop without consulting the doctor, because they fear possible side effects.

“It’s crucial to develop a treatment plan together with the patients and their families, and make them follow the prescription.”

Thad Huston, president of Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd, which is sponsoring the program, said education is vital in fighting the disease, and that the treatment alliance is expected to play a key role in changing people’s mindset by getting the community involved.

“Many schizophrenia patients suffer frequent and repeated relapses because of the absence of health education,” said Huston.

“The treatment alliance program aims to introduce a new health educational model to optimize the benefits of medical treatment for patient.”