China's Hefei expands health care access for expats

Lead: The city of Hefei in east China's Anhui province is expanding medical services for foreign professionals by opening international departments in local hospitals.

"After the surgery, my life has changed completely," said Stephan Walden, a German patient who underwent surgery two months ago at the international department of the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University.

Walden had experienced severe pain in his right leg for nearly a year due to a lumbar disc herniation, which left him with numbness and made walking or sitting difficult.

After considering leading hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai, Walden chose to seek treatment in Hefei, which he calls his "second hometown," where he lives and works.

He underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery at the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, with Professor Tian Dasheng, a surgeon at the hospital, leading the procedure. Walden was discharged four days later, pain-free.

"With the help of the International Medical Department, everything moved so quickly," Walden said, praising the hospital's doctors and staff's efficiency and exceptional medical skills.

Walden said the leadership of Professor Tian and his team was a key factor in his decision, citing their strong motivation and collaborative approach. "I got the feeling that this is the right decision," he said.

Professor Tian Dasheng talks with his German patient at the International Medical Department of the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, May 23, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

In recent years, Anhui's favorable business environment has attracted many foreign corporate employees, including those from Fortune 500 companies, to settle in Hefei. With this influx, access to quality medical services has become a key concern for expats. To address this, the province has taken steps to improve health care accessibility.

In 2023, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University launched its International Medical Department, which covers specialties including gynecology, pediatrics and traditional Chinese medicine. The department offers round-the-clock appointment services, multilingual support, direct billing for international insurance and personalized medical assistance.

The success of the International Medical Department at the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University underscores the hospital's commitment to quality health care and reflects Anhui's broader efforts to support its growing expat community.

As more international patients access advanced medical services and personalized, multilingual care, Hefei is strengthening its appeal as a destination for foreign professionals.