Zhejiang is moving to build its presence in international medical services as part of a broader push to expand health-related consumption and attract overseas patients.

In September 2025, the provincial government released a policy package on promoting health consumption and better meeting public healthcare needs. The measures encourage qualified localities and medical institutions to provide international medical and health services for overseas patients, users of commercial health insurance, and self-paying clients. The policy also supports greater participation by private capital in high-end medical services to meet diverse and personalized demand.

Against this backdrop, Wang Liangjing, vice-president of Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine and a member of the 13th Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, submitted a proposal calling for Zhejiang to seize opportunities in international medical tourism and upgrade the quality of health consumption.

He said that building a cross-border medical service model based on internet platforms and multidisciplinary collaboration is key to attracting international patients at scale. However, he said progress is constrained by issues including limited international payment options, weak cross-department coordination, and relatively low global recognition of Zhejiang's medical brands.

Wang suggested prioritizing breakthroughs in international commercial health insurance payments. Measures could include developing localized international medical insurance products, establishing more convenient cross-border medical expense settlement channels, and using digital tools to improve transparency and efficiency in payments.

He also proposed creating integrated international service teams and offering end-to-end medical service packages, including premium products that combine medical care with cultural and tourism experiences.

Wang said strengthening international branding and promotion is essential to raising the global visibility of Zhejiang's medical services and building trust among international patients.