Shenzhen People's Hospital launches Intl. Medical Service to serve global community

With Shenzhen growing into a global city and regional hub, one of its top hospitals has launched its International Medical Service, a new unit designed to to deliver world-class care to expatriates, cross-border residents, and international visitors — including delegates of high-profile events like the upcoming APEC summit.

Officials and guests unveil the new International Medical Service at Shenzhen People’s Hospital during the opening ceremony Sunday. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen People's Hospital

Shenzhen People’s Hospital officially launched the service Sunday, positioning it as a one-stop provider of premium medical services. Designed as a one-stop platform for international patients, it integrates domestic and overseas medical resources to provide streamlined outpatient, inpatient, and specialized diagnostic services.

Dr. Geng Qingshan, president of the hospital, said the move supports China’s “Healthy China” strategy and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). He emphasized that as Shenzhen becomes more international, its healthcare infrastructure must keep pace to serve a growing global population.

Tailored to international needs

The International Medical Service offers a serene, patient-centered environment with amenities tailored for comfort and privacy.

The International Medical Service was designed with global patients in mind. Inpatient rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, sofas, wardrobes, and desks — creating a comfortable and private environment that reflects international standards.

Shenzhen People’s Hospital began offering cross-border medical services as early as 1984, when it launched a special ward for patients from Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas Chinese communities.

Dr. Chen Yongjiu, a veteran physician involved in those early efforts, visited the new department and said he was pleased to see the dramatic improvements in both facilities and specialties. He noted that many departments now operate at an internationally competitive level.

Top-tier expertise and global collaboration

The International Medical Service at Shenzhen People’s Hospital integrates global expertise to provide advanced, multidisciplinary care.

The hospital, widely regarded as one of Shenzhen’s most comprehensive, is home to six national-level and 18 provincial-level clinical specialties. It has also attracted 46 elite medical teams, including those led by renowned academicians Zhong Nanshan and Dong Jiahong.

Dr. Wang Guangsuo, hospital vice president and director of thoracic surgery, said the International Medical Service brings together global expertise to deliver high-quality care across disciplines. Its dual-track model — combining general and specialist services — supports treatment in liver, digestive, pulmonary, and neurological conditions.

International collaboration is a growing part of the hospital’s approach. In thoracic surgery, for example, global experts regularly join local teams for advanced procedures. Among them is Dr. Diego Gonzalez Rivas, a pioneer of single-port thoracoscopic surgery, who has partnered with the hospital on multiple occasions.

Also on launch day, the hospital deepened its partnership with Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, a national leader in neurology. Together, the two institutions launched a joint neurology center focused on cutting-edge fields such as brain-computer interfaces and neuroregulation.

Dong Jiahong, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, expressed hope that the new service will become a model for international medical service in Shenzhen, combining precision medicine, smart healthcare, and human-centered care.

Multilingual, accessible, and patient-focused

A private inpatient room inside the International Medical Service at Shenzhen People’s Hospital, designed to meet international standards of comfort and care.

To improve accessibility, the hospital has assembled a multilingual volunteer team of over 30 medical staff members fluent in English, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, and other languages. Many have overseas experience.

From appointment booking to rehabilitation guidance, these “interpreters in white coat” assist patients throughout their care journey, providing what hospital officials describe as “zero-barrier” service.

The hospital has also partnered with several high-end insurance providers to offer direct billing for patients from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and abroad — simplifying access to cross-border healthcare.

Officials say the International Medical Service will continue to expand partnerships and align with regional policies to strengthen healthcare cooperation across the GBA.

Add: No. 1017, Dongmen North Road, Luohu District (罗湖区东门北路1017号)

Metro: Line 3, Cuizhu Station (翠竹站), Exit D