01-May-16 Changing demographics and lifestyles in China are the reasons behind emerging opportunities for foreign companies to operate hospitals, clinics and care homes in the country. And the need is now widening to include primary care, rehabilitation and elder care. The range of incentives for foreign investors is increasingly wide. But there remain hurdles to be overcome. [image: Global Growth Markets]

29-Apr-16 China has spent RMB5.64 tn (USD871 bn) since 2009 to improve its healthcare system. The health budget for 2016 is RMB1.24 tn (USD191 bn) and the average annual growth of medical input has surpassed 20% over the past seven years. [image: SCMP]

27-Apr-16 Obesity has rapidly increased in young rural Chinese, a study has warned, because of socioeconomic changes. Researchers found 17% of boys and 9% of girls under 19 were obese in 2014, up from 1% in 1985. The study said China's rapid socioeconomic and nutritional transition had led to an increase in energy intake and a decrease in physical activity. [image: AFP / Getty Images]

26-Apr-16 The Japanese government will work with medical device maker Nihon Trim to set up a chain of hospitals in China, to promote medical exports while helping to alleviate the shortage of facilities there for treating lifestyle diseases. Mitsubishi Corp and other major companies are considering contributing through such steps as developing meals for diets designed to prevent diabetes. [image: Reuters]

25-Apr-16 Singapore's leading private medical provider, Raffles Medical Group, is seeking opportunities to open hospitals and medical centers in China's top cities. The group plans to open a 400-bed facility in Shanghai in 2018, adding to existing clinics in seven cities in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing and Dalian. [image: Nikkei Asian Review]