新华视点丨老外“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 [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]. - Hospitals report a noticeable increase in foreign patients, especially after 2024, with many coming from countries like Russia, Singapore, the USA, and Indonesia [2][3]. - The China International Medical Service Industry Development Report indicates that 850 medical institutions across 57 cities in mainland China are engaged in international medical services [3]. Group 2: Reasons for Seeking Treatment in China - Foreign patients are attracted to China for its advanced medical technologies and lower costs compared to developed countries, particularly in fields like oncology and cardiovascular diseases [5]. - Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gaining international recognition, with treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine becoming popular among foreign patients [5][6]. - Specific medical needs, such as complex conditions and chronic diseases, are driving foreign patients to seek treatment in China [5][6]. Group 3: Impact on Domestic Healthcare - The influx of foreign patients is managed to ensure that it does not compromise the healthcare services available to domestic patients, with regulations in place to limit the proportion of international medical services [7]. - Public hospitals are required to prioritize basic medical services while offering international medical services, ensuring that foreign patients do not utilize domestic insurance funds [7]. - 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 healthcare [7][8]. Group 4: Future Developments - China is exploring the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in several provinces to better meet the diverse medical needs of both foreign and domestic patients [8]. - Experts suggest that improving service platforms for foreign patients and enhancing multilingual services will further attract international patients to China [8].