Ambitious goals set for south China's int'l medical tourism zone

China has unveiled a package of favorable policies to equip an international medical tourism pilot zone in south China's Hainan Province with a global edge in the health sector.

Aerial view of the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. [File Photo: IC]

The Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is expected to be internationally advanced in medical technology, equipment and medicine by 2025, according to a newly released action plan for its development.

The plan calls for making breakthroughs in building an advanced clinical center and a base for R&D and the application of cutting-edge medical technologies before the near-term deadline.

By 2030, the zone will be developed into a world-class destination for international medical tourism and innovation platform for medical science and technology, the plan said.

The zone will receive vigorous support in opening-up, human resources and supervision, said Luo Wen, vice head of the National Development and Reform Commission, at a press conference held Monday on the action plan.

Advantageous measures in the plan include allowing faster approval of imported medicine and medical equipment and delegating the evaluation power of senior professional titles in the health sector to the zone.

To facilitate the zone's development, Hainan will create a plan on real-world clinical data application and research, introduce necessary standards, and establish the required legal and regulatory framework, said Shen Xiaoming, the island province's governor.

Besides, Hainan authorities will use platforms such as the upcoming second China International Import Expo to attract investment and prepare for the establishment of a research hospital in Boao, Shen said.