Healthcare in China

China, with its vast population and rapidly growing economy, is home to one of the largest healthcare systems in the world. Over the past few decades, China has made significant improvements to its healthcare infrastructure, offering both public and private hospitals that cater to the needs of its citizens, expatriates, and medical tourists. China’s healthcare system is unique in that it combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern Western healthcare practices, offering a comprehensive approach to medical care.

In this guide, we will explore the healthcare system in China, highlight some of the top hospitals, and offer insights into how to choose the right healthcare provider. Whether you’re a resident seeking general healthcare, a visitor needing emergency services, or someone requiring specialized treatment, this blog will help you navigate your options in China.

For more detailed information on hospitals in China, visit MyHospitalNow and explore the hospitals in China blog category for more resources and information.

Understanding China’s Healthcare System

China’s healthcare system consists of public and private healthcare providers, with the government playing a significant role in providing affordable and accessible healthcare to the population. Over the years, the country has worked hard to expand its healthcare infrastructure, particularly in urban areas. China’s healthcare services are increasingly well-regarded for their high-quality medical care, especially in large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

1. Public Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in China is a mix of government-funded services and state-owned hospitals, which provide medical care to the general population at affordable rates.

• Affordable Care: The Chinese government subsidizes healthcare through a national insurance program, making medical services more affordable for residents. The system aims to provide universal health coverage, with all citizens eligible for basic health services.
• Government Hospitals: Public hospitals are widespread throughout China, with the largest and most specialized hospitals located in major cities. These hospitals offer a range of general and specialized medical services.
• Challenges: While public healthcare is affordable, government hospitals can experience overcrowding, long waiting times, and limited access to specialized care, especially in rural areas. Some rural regions may also face shortages of medical equipment and healthcare professionals.

2. Private Healthcare System

Private healthcare in China has grown significantly over the past few decades, particularly in large urban centers. Private hospitals often offer a higher level of service, shorter waiting times, and modern medical technologies.

• Specialized Care: Private hospitals are typically equipped with more advanced medical technologies and specialized services such as cardiology, orthopedics, cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatments.
• Faster Service: Private hospitals provide quicker access to medical consultations, diagnostic tests, and elective surgeries. This makes them a popular choice for expatriates and medical tourists seeking efficient care.
• Costs: Private healthcare in China is more expensive than public care, but it offers the advantage of better facilities and faster services. Many private hospitals cater to international patients and accept international health insurance.

How to Choose the Right Hospital in China

When selecting a hospital in China, it is essential to consider factors such as the type of care you need, the hospital’s reputation, location, and your budget. Below are some key considerations:

1. Specializations and Services Offered

Hospitals in China offer a variety of services, but some hospitals may be more specialized than others. Depending on your medical needs, it is important to choose a hospital that excels in the care you require.

• General Healthcare and Emergency Services: Public hospitals in China provide general healthcare services and emergency care, which are suitable for most routine health concerns and urgent medical needs.
• Specialized Care: For more specialized treatments such as surgery, oncology, or fertility treatments, private hospitals are often the best option. Many private hospitals in major cities offer cutting-edge medical services in specialized fields.

2. Reputation and Accreditation

A hospital’s reputation is an important factor in ensuring quality care. Look for hospitals that are internationally recognized for their high standards of medical care.

• Accreditations: Hospitals accredited by ISO, Joint Commission International (JCI), or other reputable organizations are generally held to high standards of care and patient safety. These hospitals are more likely to provide quality services.
• Patient Reviews: Patient testimonials and reviews can provide valuable insights into the hospital’s quality of care. Look for hospitals with positive feedback from patients, particularly regarding their experiences with medical professionals, facilities, and outcomes.

3. Location and Accessibility

The location of the hospital is a key factor when choosing a healthcare provider. Larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have some of the best hospitals, offering specialized care and advanced technologies. If you require frequent visits or specialized treatment, choosing a hospital in one of these urban areas may be beneficial.

• Urban vs. Rural Hospitals: Public hospitals in urban areas generally offer more specialized care and have better access to modern medical equipment compared to hospitals in rural regions. If you need advanced care, it’s recommended to choose a hospital in a major city.
• Transport and Parking: Consider the accessibility of the hospital, particularly if you live in a rural area. Larger hospitals in cities are often well-connected by public transport, and parking facilities may also be available for those who drive.

4. Costs and Insurance Coverage

Healthcare costs can vary significantly depending on whether you choose public or private services. Public healthcare is generally more affordable, but private hospitals offer faster service and more specialized care at a higher cost.

• Private Health Insurance: If you have private health insurance, check whether the hospital accepts your insurance plan and if your treatments will be covered. Many private hospitals in China accept both local and international insurance.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Private healthcare services in China can be expensive, especially for specialized treatments or surgeries. Be sure to inquire about the costs upfront before receiving treatment, particularly for elective procedures.

Top Hospitals in China

China is home to many world-class hospitals, particularly in its large cities. Here are some of the leading hospitals in China, known for their advanced medical care and specialized services:

1. Peking Union Medical College Hospital (Beijing)

Peking Union Medical College Hospital is one of China’s top hospitals, known for its advanced medical services and cutting-edge research in healthcare.

• Specialties: Cardiology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Rheumatology
• Accreditations: JCI-accredited, providing high-quality healthcare services and internationally recognized treatments.
• Notable Features: Peking Union Medical College Hospital is one of China’s best hospitals for specialized care and medical research, attracting both domestic and international patients.

2. Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (Shanghai)

Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center is a leading cancer treatment hospital in China, known for its specialized oncology services.

• Specialties: Oncology, Hematology, Cancer Surgery, Radiation Therapy
• Accreditations: ISO-certified, recognized for its high standards in cancer care.
• Notable Features: As one of China’s leading cancer treatment hospitals, it offers advanced cancer therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy, making it a top choice for cancer patients.

3. Ruijin Hospital (Shanghai)

Ruijin Hospital is one of Shanghai’s largest and most reputable hospitals, offering specialized services in multiple medical fields.

• Specialties: Orthopedics, Cardiology, Neurology, General Surgery
• Accreditations: JCI-accredited, providing high-quality services in a range of specialties.
• Notable Features: Known for its exceptional care in orthopedics and neurology, Ruijin Hospital is a key medical institution in Shanghai.

4. Beijing United Family Hospital (Beijing)

Beijing United Family Hospital is a private hospital known for its high standard of care, particularly for expatriates and medical tourists.

• Specialties: General Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Family Health
• Notable Features: This private hospital provides fast access to specialized care, offering comfortable accommodations and a patient-centered approach to healthcare.

How MyHospitalNow Can Help You Choose the Right Hospital in China

Choosing the right hospital can be overwhelming, but MyHospitalNow simplifies this process. Our platform provides detailed hospital profiles, including services, specialties, patient reviews, and ratings. You can compare hospitals in China and select the one that best meets your healthcare needs.

Explore MyHospitalNow for more information about hospitals in China and check out the hospitals in China blog category for more articles and resources.

Conclusion: Accessing Healthcare in China

China offers a range of healthcare options, from affordable public hospitals to private hospitals providing specialized care. Whether you are seeking general healthcare services or advanced treatments, China’s healthcare system provides high-quality medical care to meet your needs. By considering factors such as location, specialization, reputation, and costs, you can make an informed decision about where to seek care in China.

For more detailed information on hospitals in China, visit MyHospitalNow and explore the hospitals in China blog category for more helpful resources.

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• UNAIDS said it had surveyed over 1,000 HIV people in China and found that the coronavirus outbreak is having a ‘major impact’ on their lives
• HIV patients in China risk running out of life-saving AIDS drugs because quarantines, lockdowns mean they cannot replenish vital medicine stocks

• LONDON/BEIJING : HIV patients in China risk running out of life-saving AIDS drugs because quarantines and lockdowns aimed at containing the coronavirus disease outbreak mean they cannot replenish vital medicine stocks, United Nations AIDS agency said on Wednesday.

  UNAIDS said it had surveyed more than 1,000 people with HIV in China and found that the outbreak of the coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is having a “major impact” on their lives.

  The outbreak so far infected more than 74,000 in China, and killed 2,004 of them. Outside China, five deaths and 827 cases have been reported so far.

  Nearly a third of the HIV positive people surveyed by UNAIDS said lockdowns and restrictions on movement in China meant they were at risk of running out of their HIV treatment in the coming days.

  Of these, almost half – or 48.6% – said they did not know where to collect their next antiretroviral therapy refill from.

  “People living with HIV must continue to get the HIV medicines they need to keep them alive,” UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said in a statement. “We must ensure that everyone who needs HIV treatment gets it, no matter where they are.”

  UNAIDS says that according to Chinese government sources there were an estimated 1.25 million people with HIV in China at the end of 2018.

  One HIV-positive volunteer AIDS campaigner in China told Reuters he has set up a group chat that includes more than 100 HIV patients, mostly in Hubei province – epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak – where he is helping patients to share limited stocks of medicines between them.

  Some HIV patients are scared of letting other people know why they are desperate to get out of the cities.

  “(Patients are) very panicked, very panicked, and in the group chat I have to comfort them constantly,” said the campaigner, who did not want to give his name. “For patients, medicine is important, treatment is important. This could be as important as front-line relief supplies.”

  Adding to the problem of potential shortages is an emerging practice of people not infeGcted with HIV appealing to patients with the AIDS-causing virus to share their medicine as potential experimental treatment against the new coronavirus.

  Although there is no evidence from clinical trials, China’s National Health Commission said the HIV drug lopinavir/ritonavir could be tried in COVID-19 patients.

  That triggered a rush for drugs such as Kaletra, also known as Aluvia, which is drugmaker AbbVie’s off-patent version of lopinavir/ritonavir.

  UNAIDS said lockdowns in various cities have also meant that people with HIV who had travelled away from their home towns have not been able to return home and access HIV services, including treatment, from their usual providers.

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As doctors scramble to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus, a potent brew of anti-retroviral and flu drugs has emerged as a possible defence against the disease that has killed hundreds.

But the science is inconclusive on whether they are actually effective, and experts say a specific treatment could take years to develop.

Here is what we know – and don’t know – about the drugs deployed against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like virus.

Why anti-retrovirals?

Patients diagnosed with the common flu are often prescribed an antiviral drug widely known as Tamiflu.

But seasonal flu is “very different from the Chinese coronavirus”, said Sylvie van Der Werf at the Paris-based Pasteur Institute.

So far, the new coronavirus has infected tens of thousands worldwide and killed more than 420 people, mostly in mainland China. 

Two weeks ago, Chinese doctors confirmed they had been giving anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs to coronavirus patients in Beijing, based on a 2004 study published after the outbreak of SARS that showed “favourable” responses.

Used together, lopinavir and ritonavir decrease the amount of HIV cells in a patient’s blood, stripping back the virus’s ability to reproduce and attack the immune system.

Doctors have also combined the treatment with another anti-flu drug called oseltamivir, hoping the creative cocktail can sap the new coronavirus of its strength. 

In Thailand, where there are now 25 confirmed cases, a 71-year-old Chinese patient returned a negative test within 48 hours of being given the three drugs. 

But Thai doctors urged caution, saying the medicine needed to be given under supervision due to possible side effects. 

Does it actually work?

In short, we don’t know for sure.

The 2004 study showed anti-retrovirals used on patients with SARS had “substantial clinical benefits”, experts in China said. 

But random trials on 41 coronavirus patients had “limitations”, according to research published in The Lancet on 24 January.

Doctors in Singapore – where there are 24 cases – have followed suit with the anti-retroviral treatment, said the country’s chief health scientist Tan Chorh Chuan, without going into details about the results. 

Other studies looked “promising” and a clinical trial has started in Wuhan.

“These agents appear to be effective but we can’t be certain at the moment,” he said Tuesday.

What’s big pharma doing?

Biotech firms are working on a suite of treatment options.

California-based Gilead Sciences said they are working with Chinese authorities on clinical trials to determine if remdesivir – a drug used to treat SARS – is effective.

Development of entirely new treatments are also underway. The US Health and Human Services department is partnering with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to develop monoclonal antibodies to fight the infection, a class of drug the company has successfully used to boost survival rates among Ebola patients.

Meanwhile three teams around the world – in China, Australia and the Pasteur Institute in France – have now succeeded in cultivating the coronavirus in the laboratory.

That could lead to pinpointing its “Achilles’ heel” by understanding how it replicates in cells, said Christophe d’Enfert, the institute’s scientific director.

So what should you do?

The best approach for the general public is to try and “stay healthy” so your immune system can offer a robust response to the threat of the virus, said Singapore’s health minister Gan Kim Yong.

But for already infected patients, hospitals must provide support to prevent complications. 

“Chances are if you already have underlying medical conditions… your defences are weak and your organs may already be impaired, and therefore the risk of death is higher,” he told parliament Monday. 

Home remedies and quackery

Misinformation has proliferated online about home and traditional remedies.

A liquid made with honeysuckle and flowering plants used in traditional medicine was initially claimed to “inhibit” the virus, sparking frenzied buying in China. 

But Chinese state media later sounded a more cautionary note, as researchers warned of potential side effects. 

In India, where there are three reported confirmed cases, the government has touted ancient homeopathy and Ayurveda remedies as the answer. 

The jury is out on the effectiveness, and doctors still recommend that patients be treated in a hospital. 

Online posts erroneously identified saline as a coronavirus killer in Australia, while in Thailand social media suggested antiseptic should be sprayed in a person’s mouth. 

The antiseptic brand Betadine has refuted the claim. – AFP

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BEIJING (BLOOMBERG) – China is using AbbVie Inc’s HIV drugs as an ad-hoc treatment for pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus while the global search for a cure continues.

The Beijing branch of China’s National Health Commission (NHC) said that a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, sold under the brand name Kaletra by AbbVie, is part of its latest treatment plan for patients infected by the virus, which has killed at least 56 people in China and sickened more than 2,000 worldwide.

The NHC said that while there is not yet any effective anti-viral drug, it recommends patients are given two lopinavir and ritonavir tablets twice a day and a dose of alpha-interpheron through nebulisation twice daily.

Medical journal Lancet said on Friday that a clinical trial is under way using ritonavir and lopinavir to treat cases of the new coronavirus. Meanwhile, China’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention will start developing a vaccine, according to the Global Times.

Wang Guangfa, a respiratory expert at Peking University First Hospital in Beijing who was infected by the virus after visiting Wuhan to inspect to coronavirus patients, told China News Week earlier this week that his doctor recommended he take the HIV drugs to fight the new virus and they worked on him.

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ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) — China has been making direct and indirect contribution to Africa’s efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria on the continent, an official of the African Union (AU) said.

Speaking to Xinhua exclusively on Wednesday, Benjamin Djoudalbaye, AU Acting Head of HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, noted that China’s contribution to the Global Fund, which is to fight against the major deadly diseases, is one of the indirect support areas in the fight against HIV/AIDS on the African continent.

The World Health Organizations (WHO) says HIV continues to be a major global public health issue. In 2018, some 770, 000 people died from HIV-related causes globally.

There were approximately 37.9 million people living with HIV at the end of 2018, with 1.7 million people becoming newly infected in 2018 globally. And 62 percent of adults and 52 percent of children living with HIV were receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2018.

Africa is the most affected region, with about 25.7 million people living with HIV in 2018; and the continent accounts for almost two thirds of the global total of new HIV infections, according to WHO.

Reiterating that Africa is one of the most affected regions by HIV/AIDS in the world, the AU Acting Head of HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria said the continent has achieved remarkable results in the past two years, despite the success stories are with disparities.

“For the last couple of years, I think we are on the (trajectory) in controlling HIV today on the continent, ” the official said, adding people have access to treatments and efforts were made to reduce maternal mortality and mother to child transmission of HIV.

“The new infections are going down in parts of the continent but despite all these efforts the disparities exist,” he said.

In addition to the indirect contribution through the Global Fund, China forged a very good partnership with the 55-member pan-African bloc, whereby it provides supports, including among others training for experts who have indispensable role in the fight against the HIV/AIDS.

“For us, as the African Union, we have a very good collaboration with China. And recently two of my two members went to China and were trained on HIV control. So, this type of action programs do exist between China and the African Union Commission,” he said.

Reiterating that Africa has achieved remarkable results in the anti-HIV/AIDS interventions, the acting head mentioned Botswana and Rwanda as two success stories on the continent.

“I can tell you two success stories; a country like Botswana has virtually eliminated mother to child transmission of HIV; that is a success story; and the second success story is that a country like Rwanda will control HIV, as a program of Public Health, before 2030,” Djoudalbaye has noted.

Speaking of the challenges, Djoudalbaye says funding and resistance to the drug are among the two major challenges in Africa, while the health system is also there as far as the fight against HIV/AIDS is concerned.

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