Core Viewpoint - China's cross-border medical services face significant challenges in transforming from a "deficit" to a "surplus" in attracting international patients, despite having the necessary conditions and advantages to do so [1][12]. Group 1: Current State of International Patients in China - The majority of international patients in China are expatriates working in the country, with the actual number of foreign patients seeking medical treatment being relatively low compared to social media portrayals [1]. - Foreign patients are drawn to China's medical services primarily due to the efficiency of large hospitals, as exemplified by a patient who experienced a significantly faster treatment timeline in China compared to the UK [2]. - Some foreign visitors utilize China's visa-free entry policy to combine tourism with traditional Chinese medicine experiences [3][4]. Group 2: Cost Advantages and Treatment Options - Many foreign patients are attracted to the cost-effectiveness of medical services in China, such as dental implants, which can be significantly cheaper than in their home countries [5][6]. - The clinical capabilities in China, particularly in advanced treatments like CAR-T cell therapy, are gaining international recognition, with a notable price advantage compared to other countries [6][7]. Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the potential for growth, the number of international patients seeking innovative treatments in China remains limited, with many being highly educated individuals who actively research their options [7]. - The establishment of international medical departments in public hospitals aims to cater to foreign patients without compromising domestic healthcare resources, promoting a multi-tiered healthcare system [9][10]. - There are significant barriers to attracting international patients, including issues with commercial health insurance acceptance, visa limitations, and the need for improved payment systems for cross-border medical services [15]. Group 4: Comparative Analysis with Other Countries - China currently lags behind countries like South Korea and Malaysia in attracting international patients, with a need to enhance its global marketing efforts and healthcare service visibility [13][14]. - The potential for growth in medical tourism exists, particularly among patients from neighboring countries and overseas Chinese, who may seek affordable and high-quality medical services in China [12][13].
外国人扎推来华看病挤占医疗资源?一财调研披露真相
Di Yi Cai Jing·2026-01-19 14:18