Slice of the pie

China's medical prowess and facilities have been improving rapidly, with the number of surgeries performed far exceeding those in some Western nations. The convenience of online communication, visa access, and commercial health insurance now makes it possible for patients to choose doctors around the world, said industry experts.

"If Shanghai is aiming to get a piece of the global medical tourism market pie, in addition to the optimization of service procedures and access to more commercial insurance, it must accelerate the transformation of leading disciplines into new products for international medical services," said Gu Jingwen, director of the International Medical Center at Shanghai Huashan Hospital.

"Moreover, the city must develop some disciplines with its own characteristics and increase its influence through high-level international exchanges," she said.

Huashan Hospital began receiving international patients in the late 1980s, one of the first in Shanghai to start the endeavor.

Gu said in the early days, many expats living in Shanghai preferred to return to their home countries for medical treatment when they were ill. They would even raise concerns with local doctors about routine surgery for medical conditions such as appendicitis.

"Today, many choose to stay in Shanghai for treatment instead of heading back home, showing their rising recognition of the quality of local medical services," she said.

International services that meet patients' needs also help improve the business environment and enhance the international status of Shanghai's medical care, Gu said.