新华视点｜老外“扎堆”来华就医，这事儿怎么看？

Core Viewpoint - The increasing trend of foreign patients seeking medical treatment in China is driven by the perceived advantages of Chinese healthcare services, particularly in specific medical fields, despite their overall small proportion in the total patient population [1][2][5]. Group 1: Growth of Foreign Patients - The number of foreign patients in Chinese hospitals is on the rise, although they still represent a small percentage of total patients [2][10]. - Hospitals report a noticeable increase in foreign patients, especially after 2024, with many coming from countries like Russia, Singapore, the USA, and Indonesia [2][10]. - A report indicates that 850 medical institutions across 57 cities in mainland China are engaged in international medical services [11]. Group 2: Reasons for Seeking Treatment in China - Foreign patients are attracted to China due to its advanced medical technologies and lower costs for treatments like proton therapy and targeted drugs compared to developed countries [5][12]. - There is a growing interest in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine gaining popularity among foreign patients [5][12][13]. - Specific medical fields, including oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, are becoming key areas of demand for foreign patients [5][12]. Group 3: Impact on Domestic Healthcare - Concerns exist regarding the potential impact of foreign patients on domestic healthcare resources; however, regulations ensure that international medical services do not compromise basic healthcare for local patients [7][15]. - Public hospitals are required to maintain a balance, with international services not exceeding 10% of total medical services [15]. - The development of international medical services is seen as a way to enhance the overall healthcare system, providing additional resources and innovative practices that can benefit domestic patients [15][16]. Group 4: Future Developments - The establishment of foreign-invested hospitals in several provinces is expected to better meet the diverse healthcare needs of both foreign nationals and local residents [15][16]. - Experts suggest improving service platforms for foreign patients and enhancing multilingual support and international payment systems to attract more medical tourism [16].