Overview ofChina’s Hospitals Hospitals represent only one portion of the healthcare facilit

Overview ofChina’s Hospitals

Hospitals represent only one portion of the healthcare facilities available in China. China’s Ministry of Health recognizes more than nine types of healthcare facilities. Some rural areas in China primarily are serviced by community health centers, clinics and others. However, for devices companies, hospitals should be seen as the key clients.

The total number of hospitals in China by the end of 2010 increased by approximately 250 facilities compared to the end of 2009. The United States, in comparison, only has approximately 6,000 hospitals. Most hospitals in China are state-owned. Hospitals that are not state-owned currently represent about 20 percent of thecountry’s hospitals.

China’s hospitals are categorized into three tiers. Tier 3 hospitals are the most sophisticated with multiple differentiated departments. These are the ones that citizens think of as the provincial or metropolis hospitals, and they usually have more than 500 beds. Tier 2 hospitals are medium-sized and—usually—also have a number of departments. They sometimes may be referred to as “district hospitals.” Tier 1 hospitals are small and primarily are sought out for general health conditions. Many consider these community hospitals.