Beyond Cost: China's Growing Appeal as a Premier Healthcare Destination

China is emerging as a significant healthcare destination, attracting international patients not solely for its cost advantages, but increasingly for its advanced medical services, which are now on par with those in developed nations. This shift signifies a new phase in global medical tourism, emphasizing the quality of care available.\n\nA compelling example involves Kevin, a Chinese physician based in Vancouver, Canada, who brought his 10-year-old daughter to Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, for a pancreatic tumor. Despite recommendations in Canada for surgery that would remove the spleen, the team at Ruijin Hospital, led by Dr. Jin Jiabin, successfully performed robotic laparoscopy, preserving the child's spleen. The procedure cost CNY160,000 (USD22,995), demonstrating advanced capabilities in complex surgeries.\n\nIndustry experts recognize this as a growing trend. Du Lei, an attending surgeon at the metabolic surgery department of the Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, notes, "In the long run, it will likely develop into a trend that overseas patients come to China for medical treatment." He further observed, "Our medical devices are developing rapidly and the prices are more favorable compared to those in foreign countries," adding that "Chinese doctors perform surgery with greater precision than their foreign counterparts." Similarly, Li Shengli, chief of the plastic and reconstructive surgery department at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, confirms a high volume of foreign patients, stating, "In the treatment of congenital hand deformities, hemangiomas, and lymphedema, China's technology in these specialized diseases is among the world's best."\n\nMany leading hospitals in China have established dedicated international medical departments to cater to the needs of foreign visitors seeking cross-border healthcare. These international patients typically fund their treatment privately, indicating a strong willingness and capacity to invest in high-quality medical care.\n\nWhile the market potential for foreign patient travel to China is substantial, as highlighted by Pan Wenzhi, chief cardiology physician at Zhongshan Hospital, there are considerations. Zhao Chongke, a doctor in the ultrasound department at Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, points out that while hospitals remain committed to domestic patients, there's a limited pool of staff equipped with both advanced medical skills and foreign language proficiency. To fully capitalize on this opportunity and enhance its appeal as a healthcare destination, China needs to develop robust systems and service guarantees.\n\n## Bottom Line\n1. China is increasingly recognized for its high-quality medical care and advanced technology, making it a competitive healthcare destination beyond cost savings.\n2. Specialized surgical expertise, particularly in areas like robotic surgery and congenital deformities, is attracting a growing number of international patients.\n3. The establishment of international medical departments signifies a strategic move to accommodate patient travel from abroad.\n4. Future growth in medical tourism hinges on developing comprehensive support systems and expanding staff with specialized skills and language capabilities to cater to the unique needs of international patients.\nRead the full article here: https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/chinas-medical-technology-on-par-with-developed-countries-attract-foreign-patients