郑大一转身，中国超大型医院的时代终章

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and fall of Zhengzhou University First Affiliated Hospital (Zhengda Yi), highlighting its rapid expansion, operational challenges, and the impact of recent reforms on its performance and reputation [4][10][43]. Group 1: Hospital Expansion and Growth - Zhengda Yi began its significant expansion in 2010 with a planned investment of 2.5 billion yuan for the Zhengdong campus, which later saw total investment rise to 4.857 billion yuan by 2016 [6][19]. - By 2011, Zhengda Yi became the largest hospital in China, with over 5,000 beds, serving more than 300 million outpatient visits and over 200,000 inpatient admissions annually [31][26]. - The hospital's aggressive growth strategy included acquiring advanced medical equipment and expanding its facilities, which contributed to its reputation as a leading medical institution [21][27]. Group 2: Operational Challenges and Decline - In 2025, Zhengda Yi experienced its first decline in outpatient visits and a drop in annual budget to 21.845 billion yuan, marking a significant shift from its previous growth trajectory [11][43]. - The hospital faced internal issues, including a bloated administrative structure and a performance distribution system that became unsustainable as patient volumes decreased [13][43]. - The closure of the West campus and the independence of the North campus led to a reduction in bed capacity from 13,810 to 7,500, indicating a significant contraction in operations [43]. Group 3: Financial and Policy Impacts - The hospital's financial model, which heavily relied on patient volume and procedural revenue, began to falter as reforms in medical insurance and payment structures were implemented, leading to reduced income for physicians [44][43]. - The introduction of total payment systems and cost control measures by the government aimed to curb excessive medical practices, further impacting the hospital's revenue streams [27][44]. - By 2023, the hospital's performance was further affected by regulatory scrutiny, resulting in multiple penalties for non-compliance with health regulations [43]. Group 4: Cultural and Social Context - The article reflects on the cultural dynamics surrounding Zhengda Yi, where local residents and patients have developed a complex relationship with the hospital, often relying on personal connections for access to care [30][46]. - The surrounding economy has also been influenced by the hospital's operations, with local businesses catering to the influx of patients and their families, highlighting the hospital's role in the community [33][46].