URUMQI, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have invested heavily in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to guarantee free healthcare for local residents.

More than 4 billion yuan (583 million U.S. dollars) has been pumped into Xinjiang to benefit locals in the past three years, according to an official with the regional health commission.

For locals who tested positive for diseases during their health check-ups, authorities have asked related medical institutions to make sure that their re-checks are handled smoothly, and that proper consultation is provided.

In recent years, the number of people who coming to health check-ups has been rising, according to the commission.