HAIKOU, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- After hosting an international delegation at a medical center in south China's Hainan Province, Hassan, a Pakistani healthcare professional, heard from some of the visitors who were interested in returning with their families for health checks or treatment.
For Hassan, who works at the Boao Yiling Life Care Center in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, fielding these types of inquiries has become part of his daily work of connecting overseas clients and healthcare partners with medical services in China.
A graduate of Hainan Medical University, Hassan worked for about two years as a doctor at its first affiliated hospital before moving from clinical practice into international healthcare cooperation.
One aspect of China's healthcare system that impressed Hassan was how quickly patients could receive examinations and treatment, compared with the longer waiting periods in some other countries.
The Lecheng pilot zone, which benefits from the special policies under the Hainan Free Trade Port, has been attracting a growing number of international patients.
According to its administration, the zone recorded 863,500 medical tourism visits from January to September 2026, up 84.59 percent year on year. Among them, visitors from abroad totaled about 10,700, with patients coming from more than 20 countries and regions.
A key draw is the zone's special regulatory framework, which allows medical institutions in Lecheng to first use certain medicines and medical devices approved overseas but not yet available on the Chinese mainland, subject to approval procedures. Hainan also offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days to eligible travelers from 61 countries, including those seeking medical treatment.
Hassan believes these policies, together with access to innovative medical resources and services ranging from health screenings to traditional Chinese medicine, help to attract overseas patients.
"Lecheng is a zone driven by policy innovation," said Fu Sheng, director of the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone Administration.
Fu said a growing number of patients have gained access to urgently needed innovative medicines and medical devices in the zone, making it an important destination for those seeking such treatments.
The zone's appeal is also creating opportunities beyond medical tourism. Since the Hainan Free Trade Port launched island-wide special customs operations on Dec. 18, 2025, Hassan has noticed growing interest from overseas companies in establishing businesses on the island and developing patient-referral partnerships.
Having lived in Hainan for more than 13 years, Hassan now hopes to build more international healthcare partnerships, particularly between China and Pakistan. He sees opportunities for cooperation in medical facilities, healthcare services and technology transfer under the Belt and Road Initiative.
"I want to connect the whole world to the Chinese healthcare system," he said. ■
