Editor's Notes:

[Health Byte] is your insider guide to navigating Shanghai's health maze. From the labyrinth of public and private healthcare options to the pulse of cutting-edge medical services, we've got you covered. Each bite-sized article ends with a health tip, making wellness in the city more accessible than ever. Wondering about hospital features, where to find bilingual medics or the scoop on insurance coverage? Health Byte breaks it down, offering clear, actionable insights.

Shanghai is redefining medical excellence in China. It's not just a city with top-tier medical technology – it's a destination for patients from around the world. Why? Because Shanghai offers something truly special: world-class healthcare, outstanding service, and costs that make sense.

This vision aligns perfectly with the local government's bold plan to transform Shanghai into Asia's premier medical hub and a go-to spot for international medical tourism. They've handpicked the best public and private hospitals, pushing them to establish global-standard departments, elevate their operations, and embrace practices that welcome the world.

And here's the thing: Shanghai hospitals aren't sitting back and waiting. They're taking action.

After showcasing at the Arabian Travel Market in June, Huashan Hospital and Xinhua Hospital recently took part in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, one of the world's largest and most influential travel expos. This year, the China booth did something new. It didn't just highlight the country's top-tier tourism – it introduced international medical tourism for the first time, standing alongside traditional travel experiences.

The response? Incredible. Medical tourism in the Shanghai section drew in global interest.

"Shanghai is clearly building a new model of international medical tourism and setting its sights on the world," said Dr Gu Jingwen, director of Huashan Hospital's Worldwide Medical Center and the Shanghai Society of International Medicine.

Shanghai isn't just thinking big. It's doing big.

"The WTM offered a strong professional platform to promote Shanghai's international medical services," Gu stated. "We provided detailed introductions and showcased our expertise in healthcare, service offerings, medical specialties, innovative models, and medical insurance. We also highlighted successful cases of saving and treating international patients."

Gu added, "Many partners expressed confidence in Shanghai's healthcare capabilities, noting our better pricing and greater efficiency compared to Western countries. They expressed interest in establishing stable, long-term partnerships with leading hospitals in Shanghai to jointly build the city's brand as a top international medical tourism destination and elevate Shanghai's global reputation."

"We will work together to introduce Shanghai to the world, enhancing trust and accessibility for overseas patients," Gu concluded.

Here we continue our introduction of leading hospitals in Shanghai – their features and how to echo Shanghai's push to become a medical center in Asia.

Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital

上海市第一妇婴保健院

Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital is one of the earliest provincial-level maternity and child health hospitals. Its Department of Obstetrics is recognized as a national key specialty, while Gynecology is designated as a critical clinical discipline in Shanghai. The hospital leads in perinatal care, prenatal diagnostics, high-risk pregnancy management, preterm infant treatment, fertility issues, gynecological oncology, minimally invasive gynecology, urology, and pelvic floor reconstruction.

Referred to as the "cradle of Shanghai," the hospital delivers approximately one-fifth of the city's children each year, with 23,000 births recorded last year.

Its International Medical Clinic is a premier center specializing in fetal medicine, recurrent miscarriage treatment, assisted reproductive technology, gynecological oncology, and comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care.

Patients benefit from high-quality healthcare in a comfortable setting, including personalized accompaniment for major examinations, a private waiting area, and pharmacist-delivered medication. A dedicated coordinator manages report tracking, interprets findings, gathers necessary information, and arranges multidisciplinary consultations.

Contacts for the International Medical Department

Tel: 86-21-2026-1000

Address: 2699 Gaoke Rd W, Pudong New Area (East Branch)

浦东新区高科西路2699号 (东部)

536 Changle Rd, Jing'an District (West Branch)

静安区长乐路536号 (西部)

Xinhua Hospital

新华医院

Xinhua Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare and treatment spanning from the fetal period of pregnancy to childhood and adulthood. With 60 clinical and medical technology departments, including internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, and pediatrics, the hospital operates more than 2,450 beds and advanced diagnostic and treatment platforms.

The hospital's international medical facility, Memorial Jing Lang Medical Center – named in honor of Dr Gao Jinglang, the distinguished founder of pediatric medicine in China – delivers top-quality medical services to patients from around the globe. The center includes four wards with 71 beds, staffed by approximately 200 senior doctors who offer care in Chinese, English, and French. It also maintains direct billing relationships with over 20 global insurance companies.

Xinhua Hospital provides preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services for a range of clinical conditions, from newborns to adults. Key specialties include MRI, gastrointestinal endoscopy, cardiovascular interventions, spinal correction, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, neurosurgery, and medical cosmetic procedures.

Contacts for the International Medical Department

Tel: 139-1659-8343, 86-21-2507-8147

E-mail: jlgjzjzlb@xinhuamed.com

Address: 1665 Kongjiang Rd, Yangpu District

杨浦区控江路1665号

Huadong Hospital

华东医院

Huadong Hospital features 44 clinical specialties and more than 1,500 beds, making it one of the first institutions in Shanghai to provide healthcare services to overseas patients.

Renowned for its national key clinical specialty in geriatric medicine, the hospital has extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing age-related conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinary diseases, as well as osteoporosis, multiple organ failure, and tumors.

The hospital's International Medical Center offers 24/7 access to a wide range of services, including outpatient care, multidisciplinary clinics, vaccinations, health examinations, and inpatient care. The center houses five ward sections with 80 beds, offering both single rooms and luxury accommodations.

Focusing on a patient-centered healthcare model that integrates general practice with specialized care, the center provides comprehensive health management throughout the entire treatment process – from expert consultations and hospital stays to follow-up services. Full nutritional support is also available for all patients.

Contacts for the International Medical Department

E-mail: huadongtexu@163.com

Address: 221 Yan'an Rd W, Jing'an District

静安区延安西路221号

Shanghai United Family Healthcare (SHM)

上海和睦家医疗

United Family Healthcare is a leading, pioneering private healthcare provider on the Chinese mainland. In Shanghai, UFH operates three hospital campuses and three community clinics.

Since 2008, SHM has received Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation five times, reflecting its commitment to high-quality care.

The hospital's international medical team consists of physicians and nursing staff from top teaching hospitals both domestically and internationally, representing over 20 countries and regions. With over 200 physicians across 37 specialties and 300 nurses, SHM delivers comprehensive, multidisciplinary medical care, serving more than 430,000 patients from over 150 countries annually.

Emergency and intensive care services are among SHM's core strengths. The Emergency Department, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) handle a wide range of emergencies, from acute coronary disease and stroke to major trauma, covering cases from pediatrics to severe obstetric situations. These services operate 24/7, with specialists always on hand to provide immediate emergency care and surgical procedures for patients of all ages.

Contacts for the International Medical Department

Tel: 400-6393-900

Address: 699 Pingtang Rd, Changning District

长宁区平塘路699号 (长宁院区)

1598 New Jinqiao Rd, Pudong New Area

浦东新金桥路1598号 (浦东院区)

1320 Beijing Rd W., Jing'an District

静安区北京西路1320号 (静安院区)

Health Byte Tips

Bone metastasis (the spread of cancer to bones) is a significant complication for cancer patients, with the spine being the most commonly affected area. In the United States, approximately half of the 1.6 million individuals diagnosed with cancer annually develop bone metastases. The incidence in China mirrors this trend.

Dr Dong Jian from Zhongshan Hospital emphasized the importance of vigilance during a recent health program at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). He advised cancer patients, particularly those post-surgery, to monitor their bodies closely. Symptoms such as leg and waist pain, numbness, or lower limb weakness may indicate metastasis and warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Dr Dong also noted that some patients might not exhibit symptoms, underscoring the necessity of regular imaging scans. Early detection and intervention can lead to favorable outcomes.

Upcoming Topics

In the upcoming [Health Byte], we'll continue our series by featuring three more public hospitals and several international hospitals in Shanghai that are driving remarkable advancements in healthcare. Stay tuned for these inspiring stories!

About the Author

Cai Wenjun is a seasoned health reporter with Shanghai Daily. With extensive experience covering the local medical system, hospitals, health officials and leading medical experts, Cai has reported on major pandemics including SARS, swine flu and COVID-19, as well as developments in the local health industry.