The global medical tourism industry is booming, with patients seeking specialized healthcare services and cost-effective treatments abroad. The United States dominates with advanced cancer treatments, South Korea specializes in cosmetic surgery, and Japan is known for comprehensive medical check-ups. However, China, a nation with a rapidly modernizing healthcare system, is looking to carve out its own space in this lucrative market.
Renji Hospital in Shanghai, established in 1844 as the city’s first Western medicine hospital, is leading the charge. It has become a leading center for pediatric liver transplants, attracting patients, particularly from Malaysia, who seek this specialized procedure. Over the past decade, dozens of children have undergone these complex surgeries at Renji, solidifying its reputation in this niche. Shanghai, with its sizable expat population and thriving tourism, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend.
China’s ambitious plan to attract medical tourists is fueled by its rapidly innovating healthcare system, designed to cater to the needs of its 1.4 billion citizens. The global medical tourism market is projected to experience significant growth by 2028, and China wants to grab a sizable piece of the pie. However, experts warn that China has a lot of catching up to do compared to its regional competitors. Established players like Thailand and Taiwan offer either higher service quality or more competitive prices.
Despite these challenges, progress is undeniable. Boao, in Hainan Province, opened a medical tourism zone 11 years ago and has since branded itself as “Hope City,” hosting a range of medical institutions. Shenzhen has also been strengthening its efforts, attracting medical tourists primarily from Hong Kong and Macau, while aiming to standardize international services across 10 pilot hospitals. In 2023, Shanghai’s 13 designated hospitals treated almost 270,000 foreign patients. Renji Hospital alone welcomes nearly 20,000 non-Chinese patients annually, most from Southeast Asia. Shanghai’s medical landscape is evolving, with the city poised to unveil new standards for international healthcare services later this year.
While Renji Hospital has made significant strides, other hospitals in Shanghai’s pilot program are still struggling to attract international patients. For example, the Shanghai Children’s Medical Centre has only treated two foreign patients since the initiative launched in September last year. Meanwhile, countries like South Korea are witnessing rapid growth in their medical tourism sectors. In 2023, South Korea’s medical tourism market was valued at US$2.9 billion and is projected to reach US$3 billion by 2032. The nation aims to attract 700,000 foreign patients annually by 2027, supported by coordinated medical, legal, and policy initiatives.
China’s medical tourism industry is on the rise, but it faces intense competition from neighboring countries that have established themselves as leaders in the field. As China continues to invest in its healthcare infrastructure and services, it will be interesting to see if it can effectively compete for a share of the global medical tourism market.
