China allows complete foreign ownership of hospitals in major cities
China has announced that it will allow full foreign ownership of hospitals in select major cities. This significant policy shift aims to encourage foreign investment in the healthcare sector, enhancing services and expanding access to medical care. The move reflects the country's efforts to modernize its healthcare system and attract international expertise and resources to improve patient outcomes.
TroibNews 
On Friday, China announced a new initiative that will allow the creation of entirely foreign-owned hospitals in select major cities, marking a significant step toward opening its medical sector further.
The pilot work plan, which was introduced by the National Health Commission alongside three other government bodies, specifically permits the establishment of these hospitals in cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, as well as in Hainan province.
In the work plan's description, the National Health Commission noted that there is a high domestic demand for medical services, alongside considerable interest from foreign investors.
As of 2023, China hosts over 38,000 hospitals, with public institutions making up less than one-third of that total. However, public hospitals account for 83.5 percent of all patient visits nationwide, based on official statistics.
Since the year 2000, China has permitted the creation of joint-venture medical entities with foreign investment. Over the past two decades, this has led to the establishment of more than 60 foreign-invested joint-venture medical institutions within the country.
The new work plan specifically excludes hospitals that provide traditional Chinese medicine and forbids foreign entities from acquiring public hospitals.
The initiative aims to attract high-level international medical resources, enhance the supply of medical services, and improve the overall business environment. The document outlines pilot requirements, management strategies, and other relevant conditions.
Under this plan, foreign-owned hospitals can operate as general, specialty, or rehabilitation facilities. However, there are limitations; for instance, these hospitals are not allowed to engage in medical procedures that carry significant medical or ethical risks, including human organ transplantation.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
The pilot work plan, which was introduced by the National Health Commission alongside three other government bodies, specifically permits the establishment of these hospitals in cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, as well as in Hainan province.
In the work plan's description, the National Health Commission noted that there is a high domestic demand for medical services, alongside considerable interest from foreign investors.
As of 2023, China hosts over 38,000 hospitals, with public institutions making up less than one-third of that total. However, public hospitals account for 83.5 percent of all patient visits nationwide, based on official statistics.
Since the year 2000, China has permitted the creation of joint-venture medical entities with foreign investment. Over the past two decades, this has led to the establishment of more than 60 foreign-invested joint-venture medical institutions within the country.
The new work plan specifically excludes hospitals that provide traditional Chinese medicine and forbids foreign entities from acquiring public hospitals.
The initiative aims to attract high-level international medical resources, enhance the supply of medical services, and improve the overall business environment. The document outlines pilot requirements, management strategies, and other relevant conditions.
Under this plan, foreign-owned hospitals can operate as general, specialty, or rehabilitation facilities. However, there are limitations; for instance, these hospitals are not allowed to engage in medical procedures that carry significant medical or ethical risks, including human organ transplantation.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
