Leaders pose for a group photo at the launch ceremony on Jan 10. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

The first batch of 19 welfare projects for 2023 was launched in Liangjiang New Area, Southwest China's Chongqing municipality on Jan 10.

The projects have an investment of 10.6 billion yuan ($1.55 billion) and include one healthcare project, nine basic education projects, five culture and sports projects and four livelihood projects.

The Chongqing Hospital National Regional Medical Center of the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology project was among the projects, and is considered highly significant for both Liangjiang and Chongqing.

At the launch ceremony held on that day, Hu Yu, president of the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said that the hospital has been accelerating the even distribution of high-quality medical resources, and that the project, after being completed, will effectively satisfy local healthcare needs.

Pi Tao, deputy director of the new area's administrative committee, highlighted the national regional medical center as a crucial strategic deployment of the State Council. Liangjiang has been prioritizing the high-quality development of its welfare and healthcare projects as it seeks to become a modern international city featuring both sustainability and intelligence.