Russian medical tourists are shifting their focus from the Western countries to China

Outbound medical tourism from Russia to China is showing positive trends, with significant growth. This was announced by Vladimir Popov, Head of the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Institute of Oriental Medicine at the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), at the 4th International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”. According to him, while Russians previously traveled to Israel, Germany, and Switzerland for medical services, patients are now choosing the People’s Republic of China.

“There are certain reasons for this. First of all, China is the world’s second-largest economy, where medical care is rapidly developing. China has accumulated extensive experience in high-tech medical care, particularly non-invasive treatments, minimally invasive surgery, robotics, and so on. This is a compelling argument for Russian patients,” Vladimir Popov stated.

He noted that traditional Chinese medicine, with a history spanning thousands of years, is well-developed in China. He noted that its treatment and rehabilitation methods allow patients to recover more quickly.

Russia is also very attractive to Chinese citizens for medical tourism, said Jiao Jian, Rector of the China-Russia Research Institute of Biopharmaceuticals, Academician, and First Vice President of XY Group Corporation. He added that a Harbin company is discussing the creation of a training centre for surgeons in Russia. A Chinese robot may be used in the training.

“We are collaborating on projects with Russian partners,” Jiao Jian stated.

This year, the scientific and business symposium “Russia-China: Technologies for Healthcare” is being held for the first time as part of the International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”. On 17 August, sessions were held to discuss technological opportunities in cardiac and endovascular surgery, and on 18 August, discussions are planned on technological opportunities in surgery, anesthesiology, and resuscitation. The plenary session will be devoted to the topic “Digital Transformation of Healthcare: Russian-Chinese Partnership”.

“Medicine is a huge business, a huge market. The People’s Republic of China is leading the way in many areas, particularly in biopharmaceuticals. And we have much to learn from our Chinese colleagues. The SPROUTS Forum is a place where patients, medical professionals, businesspeople, and entrepreneurs who invest in innovation can unite. This allows us to develop this area and enrich both sides with knowledge and opportunities that can be implemented in both the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China,” said Vladimir Popov.

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The International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on 16-19 August.

The business programme includes such areas as interstate dialogue, creative economy, medicine, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction.

The SPROUTS Business Forum confirmed its high status by receiving the EFEA Awards and becoming a laureate and finalist of the prestigious International Russian Event Awards.

ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” acts as an operator for the preparation and holding of the SPROUTS Forum.

Official of the SPROUTS Forum.