A map called the Beijing Medical Treatment Manual was published on Sunday, the first map providing introductions to hospitals in China's capital.

Co-created by the Beijing Medical Association and Sinomaps Press, the map indicates the location of about 250 medical institutions and related practical public transport routes.

The map also includes a column called Expert Clinic Guidance, offering clinic information about 624 reputed specialists and the details of featured subjects at 31 of the best hospitals.

The move aims at providing accurate information in case they are misled by advertisements put up by unqualified or average medical services, while top hospitals silently keep busy treating patients and neglecting self-recommendations.

An official of Beijing Medical Association said it took 15 months to plan and compose the map.

The map will be sold at Beijing's bookstores and newsstands. It can also be obtained for free at designated hospitals.

(CRI February 5, 2007)