Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2026-01-14 01:13Core Insights - The article discusses the emergence and growth of Internet hospitals in China, highlighting their role in providing convenient and efficient medical services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic [1][14] - Internet hospitals are seen as a new model in the healthcare system, addressing issues like access to care and hospital transformation [1][14] Industry Overview - Internet hospitals are platforms that integrate online consultations, prescriptions, payments, and drug delivery, connecting patients with healthcare providers [4] - The services offered by Internet hospitals include remote diagnosis, post-hospital management, and health management [4] Industry Development History - The first Internet hospital in China was established in 2015, marking a significant milestone in the integration of healthcare and technology [9] - The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of Internet hospitals, with over 500 new hospitals established in 2020 alone [1][14] - By October 2022, there were over 2,700 Internet hospitals in China, serving more than 25.9 million patients [1][14] - Projections indicate that by the end of 2024, the number of Internet hospitals will reach 3,340, providing over 100 million consultations annually [1][14] Industry Policies - The Chinese government has increasingly recognized and supported Internet hospitals, leading to a period of policy benefits [11] - Recent policies aim to enhance the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare, with a goal of widespread implementation by 2030 [11] Industry Value Chain - The upstream of the Internet hospital industry involves medical equipment and information technology, while the midstream consists of solution integrators [12] - The downstream primarily includes patients who utilize these services [12] User Scale and Usage Rate - As of December 2024, the user base for Internet healthcare in China reached 418 million, with a usage rate of 37.7% [13] - By June 2025, the user scale is expected to be 393 million, with a usage rate of 35% [13] Key Companies in the Industry - Notable companies in the Internet hospital sector include Ping An Good Doctor, JD Health, Alibaba Health, and WeDoctor, among others [2][15] - Ping An Good Doctor reported a revenue of 1.278 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 20.23% [15] - JD Health's revenue from health product sales reached 29.331 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, with a growth of 22.67% [17] Challenges Facing the Industry - Issues such as patient information sharing, cross-regional medical insurance reimbursement, and regulatory frameworks remain significant challenges for Internet hospitals [18][19][20] - The complexity of online diagnosis and potential medical risks also pose challenges that need to be addressed [21] Future Trends - The future of Internet hospitals is expected to focus on personalized health management driven by data and AI technologies [22] - Remote medical services will become standardized and integrated into the healthcare system, enhancing accessibility and efficiency [23] - A seamless integration of online and offline services will create a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem centered around patient needs [24]