In a significant move for international healthcare, the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan has unveiled eight innovative medical tourism offerings intended for global audiences. This initiative is designed to highlight the province's diverse natural beauty and tourism resources while incorporating specialized services such as precise health assessments, expert medical treatments, and traditional Chinese medicine practices. The objective is to deliver high-quality, customized medical tourism experiences that meet international standards for a broad range of visitors from around the world.
Starting on Saturday, a delegation of over 60 individuals from medical and tourism sectors in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao were invited by Hainan's Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports for a four-day exploration and research tour throughout the Lecheng region and Hainan province. Sian Teong Chein, vice president of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce, expressed confidence in the future growth of the medical tourism sector in Hainan, praising its favorable ecological environment, benefits from free trade policies, and the variety of cultural and tourism offerings available.
According to Liu Cheng, deputy director of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports of Hainan Province, the event capitalizes on the advantageous policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port alongside the medical initiatives at the Boao Lecheng pilot zone. This synergy is expected to enrich the tourism landscape in Hainan while fostering the collaborative development of the medical, health, and tourism sectors.
The Boao Lecheng zone is notable for being the only special medical zone in China, having imported over 450 innovative pharmaceuticals and medical devices that are yet to be available domestically. With 36 medical facilities currently functioning, patients in China can access modern international medical treatments without needing to travel abroad. According to Jia Ning, director of the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone Administration, the area continues to foster urban-industrial integration, focusing on enhancing the capacity for international medical tourism through a varied portfolio of offerings.
In 2024, the pilot zone welcomed 413,700 medical tourism visitors, reflecting a 36.76 percent increase compared to the previous year and reinforcing its significance as a leader in Asian medical tourism within the Hainan Free Trade Port.
9 Comments
ZmeeLove
Introducing more pharmaceuticals doesn't guarantee quality care. It could create dependency on imported treatments.
Comandante
I’m thrilled that medical tourism is being prioritized—such initiatives can bring a wealth of knowledge and resources.
Mariposa
The increase in medical tourism visitors shows there’s a genuine interest in Hainan’s offerings—let’s keep it growing!
Muchacha
This feels like a way to prioritize profit over patient well-being. Healthcare tourism is not a solution for everyone.
Comandante
Kudos to the authorities for making healthcare more accessible and encouraging medical innovations in the region.
Muchacho
Will locals really receive any benefits from this, or is it just for show to attract foreign money?
Comandante
Great news for healthcare advancements and tourism! This dual approach will benefit both the economy and patient care!
Mariposa
This initiative shows how healthcare and tourism can complement each other. Exciting times ahead!
Africa
Hainan's free trade policies are a smart move to attract international visitors and enhance healthcare accessibility.