In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing Shanghai's appeal as a destination for medical tourism, 13 public hospitals in the city have been selected as test points to provide specialized medical services to international travelers seeking treatment.

The trial hospitals have already begun welcoming patients from a diverse array of countries, including the Netherlands, Poland, Georgia and Russia, to address complex medical cases that require specialized care. Notable success stories include the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, which has treated five child patients with challenging conditions, and the Shanghai Children's Medical Center, which garnered praise from Agata Kornhauser-Duda, wife of Polish President Andrezej Duda, for its exemplary diagnosis and treatment of a child patient battling cancer.

Recognizing the escalating demand for medical assistance from international visitors in Shanghai, the accredited hospitals are actively establishing dedicated international medical departments to cater to their needs. Initiatives such as the creation of intensive care units for international patients at Ruijin Hospital and the establishment of an international outpatient department at the north branch of Renji Hospital underscore the commitment of these institutions to delivering world-class healthcare services to a global clientele.

The first cohort of international medical test points is slated to operate for a two-year period, during which they will focus on elevating service standards, expanding their influence on the global stage, and enhancing the quality of medical care offered through collaborative efforts with tourism resources, according to the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission.

Find below the list of trial hospitals participating in this pioneering initiative:

> Huashan Hospital of Fudan University

> Children's Hospital of Fudan University

> Ruijin Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine

> Shanghai General Hospital

> Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University

> Renji Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine

> Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

> The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of the China Welfare Institute

> Shanghai Children's Medical Center

> Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University

> Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital

> Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine

> Huadong Hospital of Fudan University

Source: Shanghai Observer