Core Viewpoint - The National Health Commission of China has announced a pilot program to allow wholly foreign-owned hospitals in specific cities, aiming to enhance international cooperation and meet the growing healthcare demands in the context of global economic integration [2][4]. Policy Evolution - The Chinese government has historically maintained a cautious stance towards foreign investment in healthcare, with policies oscillating between openness and restrictions since the 1980s [3]. - Initial regulations allowed foreign entities to establish joint or wholly foreign-owned medical institutions, but restrictions were later imposed, particularly in 2015 when foreign investment in medical institutions was classified as restricted [3]. - The policy landscape began to shift again in 2023, leading to the current pilot program allowing foreign-owned hospitals [4]. Industry Demand and Supply Dynamics - The aging population and increasing chronic disease burden in China have led to a sustained rise in healthcare demand, with private hospitals accounting for only 16.5% of total medical visits as of 2023 [4]. - There is a growing demand for high-quality, personalized, and internationalized medical services, driven by rising living standards and the inadequacy of public healthcare resources [4]. - The global advancement in medical technology and the increasing frequency of international cooperation in healthcare are also influencing the need for foreign investment in China's healthcare sector [4]. Key Aspects of the Notification - The notification outlines the types of hospitals permitted (general, specialized, rehabilitation) and specifies that they must be classified as tertiary hospitals, excluding certain types such as psychiatric and traditional Chinese medicine hospitals [7][9]. - It emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to operational efficiency and safety, focusing on four core dimensions: hospital categories, personnel configuration, information management, and insurance management [5]. Personnel Configuration - The notification suggests that local experts should manage key operational roles, while foreign experts can focus on technical and clinical standards [10]. - Collaboration with internationally recognized medical institutions is encouraged to enhance the hospital's brand and service quality [10]. Information Management - Hospitals must integrate their information management systems with local healthcare regulatory platforms, ensuring that data storage complies with local regulations [11]. - Emphasis is placed on data security and privacy, particularly regarding sensitive medical information [12]. Insurance Management - Hospitals that meet insurance criteria can apply to be included in local health insurance programs, and there is support for connecting with both domestic and international commercial health insurance [13][14]. - The development of insurance products tailored for expatriates and high-net-worth individuals is recommended to enhance service offerings [14]. Market Opportunities - The expansion of high-net-worth individuals in China, with 2.066 million households holding over 10 million yuan in assets, is driving demand for personalized healthcare services [16]. - The commercial health insurance market, with a premium scale exceeding 900 billion yuan in 2023, is a crucial payment source for foreign hospitals [18]. - The new policy framework aims to create a more competitive environment, potentially improving service efficiency in public hospitals as foreign hospitals enter the market [19].

琼海博鳌： 从偏僻渔村到"世界会客厅" 海南日报全媒体记者 陈子仪 在世界行走，为博鳌停留。 2002年拍摄的博鳌海边。(资料图) 2025年4月23日，俯瞰东屿岛的博鳌零碳示范区内的博鳌亚洲论坛会议中心。海南日报全媒体记者 袁琛 摄 漫步在博鳌亚洲论坛永久会址所在地东屿岛，椰树与绿植间，赫然写着这十个大字。这句话，缘起于一 个影响亚洲乃至全球的国际会议——博鳌亚洲论坛。 博鳌，这个坐落于海南省琼海市东部的小镇，拥有着得天独厚的地理位置。这里，万泉河、九曲江和龙 滚河三江交汇，共同流入南海，再奔向浩瀚的太平洋。从2001年开始，博鳌亚洲论坛年会固定在此举办，博 鳌也因而被誉为中国的"外交小镇"。 如今，博鳌的变化还在持续发生。在这里，建成了我国首个零碳示范区——博鳌零碳示范区。该示范区 通过建立可再生能源利用、建筑绿色化改造、交通绿色化改造、新型电力系统建设、物资循环利用、水资源 循环利用、园林景观生态化改造、运营智慧化相结合的"八位一体"区域降碳布局，实现零碳运行。为全国因 地制宜完善城市更新，提供了"零碳"改造方法和经验，使博鳌成为向世界展示中国风采的范例。 在博鳌，还有一个乐城国际医疗旅游先行区被人熟知 ...