We used to do that to place free calls on pay phones. I don't recall it being a particularly fast way of dialing, though it was great if you wanted to keep your dimes for hockey cards. Yes, I'm that old.
Here's a bit of evidence for the last statements, and it doesn't even include Gao Gang and Bo Xilai as major targets (though it does mention the latter):
In Canada, most direct patient care is done by practical nurses and health care assistants. They make a LOT less than 80K (in the neighbourhood of CAD 40-60K) and suffer all the hardships. The burnout rates appear to be high and those who continue to work are covering for missing workers (including both those who are burnt out and those who refused vaccination), working long hours, etc. It's a complete mess.