A volunteer helps a patient at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Yiwu. [Photo/Jinhua Media Group]
Yiwu, the "World's Supermarket" in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, hosts 38,000 resident foreign merchants and welcomes nearly 680,000 international visitors annually. Addressing their healthcare needs is crucial for improving the city's business environment.
The government announced the introduction of a comprehensive international medical service system on June 29, focusing on full-process, lifecycle, and open services, significantly enhancing healthcare service capabilities.
The Yiwu International Medical Service Guidelines (Trial) standardize international outpatient care, ensuring high-quality, efficient services. Four top-tier hospitals in Yiwu, including the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, now offer international clinics. Yiwu has also facilitated short-term practice licenses for foreign doctors, with seven currently registered in the city.
Last year, Yiwu received over 71,000 visits by foreign patients, a 27 percent year-on-year increase, accounting for one-third of Zhejiang's total foreign patient visits.
The city has upgraded 23 medical institutions with foreigner-friendly facilities, introduced an AI bilingual report system, and formed a multilingual volunteer team.
Yiwu is pioneering a "medical services and commercial insurance" model, collaborating with 22 international insurance companies to streamline processes. This has reduced prepayment and simplified claims by over 70 percent.
Additionally, Yiwu offers comprehensive health services, including maternal and childcare, vaccination, and traditional Chinese medicine experiences. Through partnerships with top international medical institutions, Yiwu continues to strengthen its medical services, gaining recognition from both domestic and international patients.
