China has started a pilot program that aims to set up counseling hotlines in all major cities to help the growing population suffering mental stress amid rapid social and economic changes.

Provinces in the more affluent eastern part of the country and in interior areas where finances allow should start pilot hotlines in one or two cities or prefectures by the end of this year, the Ministry of Health said in a notice posted on its website.

In small, lightly populated provinces, hotlines should be available in provincial capitals, it adds.

The Chinese are experiencing increasing psychological pressure as a result of the faster pace of life and rising competition at work, the notice said.

Provinces hit hardest by the May 12 earthquake, such as Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi, should make hotlines accessible for survivors, it said. Such hotlines could help prevent psychological problems at the grassroots level, according to the ministry.

The hotline numbers should be easy to remember or be connected to 110 or 120, the emergency numbers for police and medical services, according to the notice.

The ministry urged places that have opened 12320 hotlines, which allow the public to phone in information about health emergencies, to add the service.

The services should be available at regular and reasonable hours and gradually be extended to round-the-clock status, it said, adding that local telecommunication services should minimize the fees.

The notice also urged measures to promote public awareness of such hotlines, including media campaigns, pamphlets and handouts.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2008)