<span style="color: #222222;">In China, the National Health Commission asked to local authorities to increase the number of medical clinics that can handle a surge in respiratory illnesses in the country. The call comes after a large increase in pneumonia cases reported, mostly in children.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' The commission said that efforts should be made to increase the number of relevant clinics and treatment areas, appropriately extend service hours and strengthen guarantees of drug supplies.<br />''<br />'' Last week, the public disease surveillance system ProMED reported that some Chinese hospitals were overwhelmed with sick children.<br />'' Earlier this week, the World Health Organization called on China to provide more information about the surge in cases.</span><br />''  <br />