Government News

Shanghai Daily News Digest

Private Sector Hospitals in SH's Medical Tourism   2024-12-08

 

 

Shanghai's Legacy of International Medicine

Shanghai has long been a pioneer in international cooperation, especially in the field of medicine. The city is one of the birthplaces of Western medicine in China, with many leading public hospitals originally established by missionaries.

Over the years, these hospitals have evolved into some of the nation's most prestigious medical institutions. Their innovative practices, outstanding capabilities, and experience in serving foreign patients have positioned them as key players in Shanghai's pilot program for international medical tourism.

A Modern Hub for Global Medical Services

Today, Shanghai is setting the trend for international medical services. Its rich history of Western medicine, combined with a unique cultural and institutional background, provides these hospitals with an international perspective and refined quality.

Centuries of Excellence: The Founding of Shanghai's Iconic Hospitals

Some of Shanghai's most historic hospitals have not only stood the test of time but continue to lead in the medical field:

Renji Hospital: Founded in 1844 by English medical missionary William Lockhart, Renji was the first hospital in Shanghai to practice Western medicine. In 1914, it also established one of the city's first nursing schools.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University: Established in 1884 as Shanghai's first maternity hospital, it has been a cornerstone of women's healthcare in the city.
Shanghai General Hospital: Founded in 1864 by French consuls, it was one of the largest and earliest hospitals practicing Western medicine in China.
Recently, these three centenarian institutions celebrated their anniversaries, reaffirming their commitment to advancing medical capabilities and enhancing Shanghai's reputation as a destination for international medical tourism.

Renji Hospital: A Global Leader in Liver Transplants

"In the past century, we have grown from a small clinic into a leading modern hospital with four branches," said Dr Xia Qiang, president of Renji Hospital. "We've conducted many pioneering surgeries and therapies in Shanghai and across China. Today, our liver transplant program leads the nation, and our children's liver transplant program has ranked first globally for 11 consecutive years."

Dr Xia emphasized the challenges faced by the hospital's liver transplant department. "From a modest start with just seven doctors and 10 nurses 20 years ago, we've grown into the world's largest children's liver transplant medical center. We now attract patients from other provinces and countries, as well as doctors and nurses from the US, UK, Belgium, Finland, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia for training."

A Name Card for Shanghai's Medical Excellence

"Our department has become a name card for Shanghai and even China's liver surgery field," Dr Xia continued. "We're proud of the international recognition we've earned through our expertise and dedication to patient care."


Dr Xia Qiang (third from left) and his team with the family of a 20-month-old Malaysian girl, who receives a liver transplant in Shanghai's Renji Hospital by using part of her mother's liver to save her life.

Now we continue our introduction of features and specialties of hospitals in Shanghai and how they are improving themselves to better meet the requirements of international medical tourism.

Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center

上海眼病防治中心

A Leader in Vision Care

The Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center is more than just an eye hospital – it's a cornerstone of the city's health campaigns focused on eye disease prevention and control.

Comprehensive Services for Advanced Eye Care

The center boasts a wide range of facilities, including:

Vision Care Center
Eye Center
Traditional Chinese Medicine Center
Scientific Education Center
It provides specialized treatments such as:

Myopia laser surgery
Strabismus and amblyopia treatment
Cataract surgery
Minimally invasive vitreoretinal surgery
Minimally invasive lacrimal laser surgery
Commitment to Public Health and Education
Beyond clinical services, the center is dedicated to promoting eye health awareness. It actively participates in charity events and public education initiatives.

In a recent campaign, doctors from the center visited primary schools in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, to educate students and parents about myopia prevention and control, highlighting the importance of early intervention and proper eye care.

The International Medical Center: A Global Approach

In 2022, the center established the International Medical Center, bringing a patient-centered approach to high-quality outpatient and hospitalization services.

Key features include:

Collaboration with over 30 insurance companies for seamless direct billing;
A growing reputation for serving overseas patients from the US, UK, Japan, Singapore
Butler-Style Service: Each patient is assigned a dedicated staff member to guide them throughout their medical journey, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience
Through its innovative treatments, commitment to public health, and focus on international collaboration, the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center continues to set new standards in eye care, helping patients achieve better vision and a brighter future.


Dr He Xiangui from Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center provides education on myopia prevention and control in a primary school in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province.

Contacts for the International Medical Department

Tel: 186-0217-0757 (8am-5pm from Monday to Sunday)

Address: 1440 Hongqiao Rd, Changning District

Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center

上海质子重离子医院

Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, which uses cutting-edge proton and heavy ion beams to target and kill cancerous tissue without harming healthy tissue and cells, is the first of its kind in China and only the third in the world.

Since opening in mid-2015, it has treated nearly 6,400 patients by 2023 and the annual service quantity has surpassed for a third consecutive year, ranking the first in the world. The center is now treating nearly 50 types of diseases, covering all common cancers while primarily targeting brain, lung, liver, prostate, nasopharynx, pancreatic and breast cancer with side effects and toxicity control being in line with leading medical facilities.

The center has been dedicated to building a world-leading particle diagnosis and treatment research and development facility. It has reached cooperation with over 10 commercial insurance companies at home and abroad and signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shanghai International Travel Service Co. So far, it has received nearly 100 expatriate patients from the US, the UK, Canada as well as China's Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao.

Its medical team can provide service in English, German, French, Japanese and Korean and offer customized service to meet patients' demands.

Contacts for the International Medical Department

Tel: 3829-6600, 3829-6601

Address: 4365 Kangxin Rd, Pudong New Area

SinoUnited Health

耀影医疗

SinoUnited Health: A Growing Network of Excellence

SinoUnited Health has established itself as a leading healthcare provider with one comprehensive hospital and nine clinics across Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou.

Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital: A Premier Facility on the Bund

The flagship Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital, located in the Bund area, offers outpatient, emergency, and hospitalization services. The hospital has developed a robust partnership with the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, ensuring access to cutting-edge medical expertise.

Comprehensive Medical Services Across 30+ Departments

SinoUnited Health boasts more than 30 clinical departments and 12 major academic centers, with specializations in:

Heart and Vascular Services
Oncology Treatment
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Rehabilitation Medicine
These facilities are equipped to provide world-class healthcare services to both local and international patients.

Pioneering Cancer Care: CAR-T Therapy


SinoUnited Health is among the few private healthcare providers in China to offer individualized, comprehensive anti-tumor treatments, including CAR-T technology. This advanced therapy is used to treat hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Remarkable Outcomes

To date, all patients treated with CAR-T therapy at SinoUnited have achieved complete remission, meaning they are cancer-free. The high-quality treatment has attracted international patients seeking affordable options, with costs at SinoUnited being only half – or even as little as one-fifth – of those in many foreign countries.

With its comprehensive services, innovative therapies, and competitive pricing, SinoUnited Health continues to draw patients from around the world. By combining expertise, affordability, and patient-centered care, it has become a beacon of medical excellence in the region.


Dr Lily Zhou from Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital checks a patient from New Zealand with lymphoma with CAR-T therapy in Shanghai.

Contacts for the International Medical Department

Tel: 400-186-2116

Address: 350 Jiangxi Rd M., Huangpu District

Am-Sino Healthcare

美华沃德医疗

A Trusted Name in Family-Centered Care

Am-Sino Healthcare operates a hospital and three outpatient clinics, providing a comprehensive range of medical services. Its flagship facility, the American-Sino Women's and Children's Hospital, is renowned for having one of the highest birth rates among private medical facilities.

Excellence in Women's and Children's Health

The hospital's bilingual team of experienced obstetricians and gynecologists offers a full spectrum of services, including:

Routine health check-ups
Prenatal care
Advanced treatments for complex gynecological conditions
The birth center is designed to create a safe, supportive, and personalized environment for each pregnant woman. Respecting individual choices and preferences, the center strives to make every birth journey as comfortable and empowering as possible.

Expanding to Whole-Family Healthcare


Am-Sino Healthcare is transitioning from its specialization in women's and children's health to offering comprehensive, whole-family, all-stage healthcare services. This evolution reflects its commitment to addressing the broader health needs of families in every phase of life.

Leading Departments and Services

The healthcare group's standout departments include:

Maternity and Birth Services
Women's Health Management
Pediatrics
General Practice
Psychiatric Services
Dermatology and Aesthetic Care
Endocrinology
Vaccination Services
By integrating specialized expertise with a growing focus on whole-family care, Am-Sino Healthcare continues to set new standards in personalized, high-quality medical services. Whether for women, children, or entire families, it remains a trusted provider of healthcare solutions tailored to individual needs.

Contacts for the International Medical Department

Tel: 400-163-4482

E-mail: mkt@am-sino.com

Address: 155 Songyuan Rd, Xuhui District

Parkway Health

百汇医疗

A Leading Private Healthcare Brand in Asia

Founded in Singapore, Parkway has earned recognition as one of Asia's top private healthcare brands. With a team of over 100 internationally-trained and local physicians, Parkway has established a strong presence in Shanghai, operating five medical and dental centers offering more than 40 specialties.

Parkway also collaborates closely with local public hospitals, sharing knowledge and expertise to deliver the highest quality care to its patients.

Comprehensive Family Medicine Services
Parkway's family medicine services focus on holistic care, providing:
Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical and mental health concerns
Chronic disease management
Emergency and necessary referral management
Coordination and collaboration between medical teams for seamless patient care
Harmony Menopause Center: Specialized Care for Every Stage
At the Harmony Menopause Center, Parkway offers comprehensive and personalized care for women navigating menopause. The center employs a multidisciplinary approach to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and tailored support for every phase of this journey.

This specialized center reflects Parkway's commitment to addressing women's health concerns with sensitivity and expertise, empowering women to manage menopause with confidence and comfort.

A Benchmark in Private Healthcare

With its focus on patient-centric services, international expertise, and collaborative innovation, Parkway continues to set a benchmark in private healthcare in Shanghai and beyond. Its dedication to holistic and specialized care ensures patients receive world-class treatment tailored to their individual needs.


Dr Agnieszka from family medicine at Shanghai Parkway Hospital sees a patient.

Contacts for the International Medical Department

Tel: 400-819-6622

Address: 1172 Jile Rd, Minhang District

Health Byte Tips:

A recent study conducted by local experts revealed that global seasonal influenza circulation has reverted to pre-pandemic patterns after a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, widespread nonpharmaceutical interventions led to unprecedented changes in human behavior, resulting in a reduction in the prevalence of endemic respiratory pathogens. However, with the resumption of international travel, flu activity has returned to normal levels, underscoring the importance of flu vaccination, according to Yu Hongjie from Fudan University's School of Public Health. Yu, the study's lead researcher, noted these findings were published in the prestigious journal Science.

The study emphasized the necessity of flu vaccination, particularly as China's peak flu season occurs during winter and spring. Despite the availability of updated vaccines and treatments, influenza continues to pose a serious health threat, causing 3 to 5 million severe cases worldwide annually. In China, flu-related respiratory diseases lead to approximately 90,000 deaths each year, Yu added.


Yu Hongjie from Fudan University's School of Public Health, the leading researcher, discusses with his colleagues and students.


The research is published by world-leading journal Science.

Upcoming Topics

In the upcoming [Health Byte], we'll introduce leading TCM hospitals in the city and their features. If you are interested in herbal care and TCM technique, please stay tuned. There will be many tips.

Source: City News Service

 


Sign in

 

 

Free sign-up | Forgot password

Application Status

04-16 21315227 Processing
03-12 21315226 Processing
09-26 21315225 Processing

Inquiry Status

02-29 02131558 Received
03-06 02131557 Received
11-14 02131556 Received

view more »

FAQ

Q: Q: Is there a place where I can get...
A: A: Log on to http://touch.shio.gov....
Q: Q: What is the easiest way to set u...
A: A: 1. Log on to http://touch.shio.g...
Q: Where can I get an English map of S...
A: English maps of Shanghai are availa...