In a bid to revive its economy, China appears set to further open its healthcare sector to foreign investors. 100% foreign-owned hospitals will soon be allowed in nine cities and provinces across the country, Beijing announced Sunday, as the country seeks to re-attract foreign direct investment (FDI) that plunged 30% between January and July, according to official figures, to around $71 billion.
The pilot policy will apply to Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and the southern island of Hainan – a wealthy and developed area with a total population of about 89 million. Investors will not be able to acquire existing Chinese public hospitals or invest in traditional Chinese medicine companies, according to the circular issued by the government.
