China has announced plans to allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in specific cities and regions across the country, according to an official

document released on Sunday.

These hospitals will be allowed to operate in cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and throughout Hainan Island, according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the National Health Commission, and the National Medical Products Administration. The initiative is part of broader efforts to expand pilot programs for opening up the medical sector.

The circular noted that detailed conditions, requirements, and procedures for setting up these hospitals will be provided at a later date.

Additionally, foreign-invested enterprises will be permitted to engage in the development and application of technologies related to human stem cells and gene diagnosis and treatment within the pilot free-trade zones in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and the Hainan Free Trade Port. These activities will cover the registration, launch, and production of relevant products.

The document emphasized that participating enterprises must adhere to China’s laws and regulations, including requirements related to human genetic resource management, clinical drug trials, drug registration and production, and ethical reviews. They are expected to follow the necessary management procedures.

The circular further instructed local authorities to actively support and serve foreign enterprises interested in participating, strengthen communication between relevant authorities, and enhance supervision and management of pilot enterprises. This is aimed at identifying potential risks promptly and preventing them effectively. Photo by Antti Yrjönen / Vantaa City Museum, Wikimedia commons.