近一年全国超20家公立医院设国际部

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the growing trend of international medical services in Chinese public hospitals, highlighting their appeal to foreign patients due to high-quality care at a lower cost compared to their home countries [3][4]. Group 1: International Patient Attraction - The primary reason foreign patients choose Chinese public hospitals is the high cost-performance ratio of medical services, with treatments costing significantly less than in developed countries [8][10]. - Public hospitals in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area play a crucial role in attracting international patients, with Hong Kong University Shenzhen Hospital receiving patients from 129 countries and regions [7][8]. - Shanghai's public hospitals have expanded their international medical tourism pilot units to 22, aiming to enhance the city's international medical influence [8][10]. Group 2: Challenges Faced by Public Hospitals - Chinese public hospitals face challenges such as limited international exposure and insufficient understanding from international insurance companies [4][5]. - The need to maintain public welfare limits the resources that public hospitals can allocate to international medical services, especially amid tight medical resources [5][12]. - There is a discrepancy in service capacity between public and private hospitals, with private institutions currently having a larger overall service volume in the international medical market [8][12]. Group 3: Operational Dynamics of International Medical Departments - International medical departments in public hospitals often rely on a limited number of high-level doctors, which can lead to communication issues with patients [12][13]. - The operational model of public hospitals prioritizes domestic patients, which can affect the availability of specialists for international patients [12][13]. - Pre-treatment communication and logistical arrangements, such as visa and payment issues, are addressed proactively to facilitate the decision-making process for foreign patients [13][14]. Group 4: Payment and Insurance Considerations - International medical insurance is typically held by high-net-worth individuals, providing a strong payment capability for international medical services [14][15]. - Pre-payment of medical expenses is becoming more common, with funds being transferred before treatment begins, as seen in cases involving foreign patients [15][16]. - The article notes that while public hospitals excel in treating complex cases, they have limited capacity for outpatient and preventive services for international patients [16][17]. Group 5: Future Considerations for International Medical Services - The potential for public hospitals to extend their services to outpatient and preventive care for international patients remains a key consideration for future development [16][17]. - Achieving international accreditation for public hospitals could enhance their appeal in the international medical tourism market [16][17]. - Collaboration between public and private hospitals may improve the overall international influence of Chinese medical services, facilitating a more integrated approach to patient care [17].