China to Permit Wholly Foreign-Owned Hospitals in Key Cities

New policy aims to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth through healthcare sector reforms.

Pilot program to allow foreign-owned hospitals in nine major cities and regions, including Beijing and Shanghai.
Policy excludes traditional Chinese medicine and public hospital mergers.
Foreign companies can now develop gene and stem cell technologies in pilot free-trade zones.
Specific conditions and procedures for establishing these hospitals will be detailed soon.
Move part of broader effort to open manufacturing and service sectors to foreign investments.