China is set to allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in selected cities and regions across the country, according to an official document released on Sunday.
These hospitals will be permitted to operate in cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, as well as across Hainan Island. This information was provided in a circular issued jointly by the Ministry of Commerce, the National Health Commission, and the National Medical Products Administration, outlining plans to further expand pilot programs for opening up the healthcare sector.
The circular stated that specific conditions, requirements, and procedures for setting up these hospitals would be detailed at a later stage.
Additionally, foreign-invested companies will be authorized to engage in the research and application of technologies related to human stem cells, gene diagnostics, and treatment within the pilot free trade zones in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and the Hainan Free Trade Port. This will cover the registration, commercialization, and production of relevant products, as indicated by the document.
The document also emphasized that foreign companies must adhere to China’s laws and regulations. They are required to follow guidelines concerning the management of human genetic resources, conduct of drug clinical trials, drug registration and production, as well as ethical review processes. The appropriate management procedures must also be followed.
Local authorities in the pilot regions are encouraged to actively support and engage with foreign enterprises interested in these ventures. They are advised to improve communication between agencies and to strengthen supervision and management of these pilot projects to promptly identify and mitigate potential risks.
