Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the inability of health check-ups to detect cancer has escalated to legal proceedings, highlighting the limitations of routine screenings in identifying complex diseases like cancer [2][3]. Group 1: Background of the Controversy - A patient, Ms. Zhang, who underwent annual health check-ups at iKang Guobin since 2013, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2024 despite normal tumor marker results over the years [2]. - The health check-up results indicated a "renal calcification focus" in 2023, which was deemed normal by the institution's personnel [2]. Group 2: Challenges in Cancer Detection - Cancer is difficult to detect due to its complex nature, with no universal biochemical markers for all types, unlike conditions such as hypertension or diabetes [3]. - Tumor markers like CEA can be influenced by various non-cancerous conditions, leading to potential misinterpretations in screening results [6][7]. Group 3: Economic Aspects of Health Check-ups - The private health check-up industry faces systemic challenges, including high operational costs and low profit margins, with iKang Guobin reporting a net profit margin of -9.3% after rapid expansion [11][12]. - The investment required to establish a health check-up center is substantial, with costs ranging from 10 to 12 million yuan for a facility of 2000-3000 square meters [11]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - Public hospitals serve as a price anchor for private health check-up institutions, limiting their pricing strategies [12]. - The demand for health check-ups is largely driven by corporate clients, with group check-ups accounting for a significant portion of revenue, while individual check-ups remain limited [15][18]. Group 5: Conclusion on the Industry's Viability - The health check-up industry struggles with a flawed business model, acting primarily as intermediaries without core value creation, which complicates their competitive positioning against specialized medical institutions [23].
别难为爱康国宾了
远川研究所·2025-08-12 13:18