Shanghai is often hailed as one of China’s leading healthcare hubs, particularly known for its pioneering international medical services since the 1990s. With its state-of-the-art public hospitals and advanced medical technologies, the city has quickly developed a robust international brand in healthcare. In a recent interview on September 20, a representative from the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission revealed that in the first half of this year, Shanghai’s medical institutions treated 4,128 foreign patients, reflecting a 24.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
During the recent “High-Level Public Hospital International Medical Tourism Pilot Phase Summary Meeting,” 13 medical institutions in Shanghai were recognized as “Shanghai Public Hospital International Medical Tourism Pilot Units.” The pilot program officially kicked off last September, and by June of this year, new local standards for “International Medical Services” were released.
Statistics show that Shanghai welcomed over 3 million international tourists in the first half of this year, which presents significant opportunities for medical tourism. Patients from countries such as the Netherlands, Poland, Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Mongolia have been coming to designated hospitals for treatment of various complex conditions.
In the first quarter of this year alone, the 13 pilot hospitals reported 133,900 international outpatient and emergency visits, marking a 31% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the number of patients utilizing commercial insurance arrangements rose by 30%, with settlement amounts increasing by 42%. The trend continued into the second quarter, with total international medical outpatient and inpatient services reaching 162,900—up 22%.
The infrastructure of the international medical departments at these 13 pilot hospitals has also seen significant enhancements. For example, Zhongshan Hospital has developed a distinct information system tailored for its international medical division, while Ruijin Hospital has established an ICU specifically for international patients. Moreover, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Healthcare Hospital has expanded its outpatient area dedicated to international medical services. On the service front, hospitals are actively working to enhance the patient experience; East China Hospital has created a comprehensive guidebook for international medical services and offers direct billing for commercial insurance, while nearby banks provide foreign currency exchange services right within the wards. Pediatric hospitals even offer shuttle services and bedside billing for those needing urgent pediatric care.
Among these pilot medical institutions, the Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, has treated nearly 2,700 foreign pediatric patients and admitted 66 children in the past year. Those seeking innovative treatments for conditions like liver tumors and cerebral palsy have traveled from countries like Poland and Bulgaria, with promising results. Currently, the center is also treating a child from Mongolia suffering from a rare disease.
In May, the Emirati Chinese Cultural Center facilitated the participation of the International Medical Department of the Shanghai Children’s Medical Center at the Arabian Travel Market, the largest professional tourism fair in the Middle East. This event marked the first time a domestic pediatric medical institution showcased its services on an international medical tourism platform.
The Shanghai Children’s Medical Center continues to bolster its international service capabilities and highlight its strengths in various specialties, including cardiovascular care, pediatric hematology, and epilepsy treatment. The center is also refining its international service processes and collaborating closely with insurance sectors to streamline patient experiences.
At Xinhua Hospital, which is also affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, reports indicate that since launching the international medical tourism pilot program, the hospital has treated patients from over a dozen countries—including Russia, India, Malaysia, Spain, the U.S., France, and Australia—often dealing with complex cases such as scoliosis, intrauterine pediatric diseases, retinoblastoma, and specialized pediatric surgeries. The international medical department here has created a comprehensive service model that aids cross-border patients, managing everything from visa assistance to billing and multilingual support.
Looking ahead, the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission has announced plans to continue the pilot program for another year. They are focused on further enhancing services and promotional efforts in collaboration with the Municipal Tourism Bureau. Future goals include defining new projects, strengthening service structures, and expanding global influence, with discussions already underway about implementing a “Key International Medical Institution System.” This underscores Shanghai’s commitment to refining its expertise in international medical services.
