The Chinese healthcare market is experiencing significant momentum from government policies, industry advancements and big tech involvement. However, entering the Chinese digital health market as a foreign entity can be challenging due to strict data privacy laws and regulatory authorities.

“In China we've seen this leapfrogging concept in terms of payments. They moved from cash-based society into online payments straight away and skipped credit cards. So I think that kind of model for tech definitely applies to the healthcare setting too,” says Ruby Wang, former Head of Health for the UK Government in China at the British Embassy Beijing; Adviser on Health Policy for the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in China, who today works as a doctor in the NHS and a consultant to companies interested in entering the Chinese market.

Rural regions are now able to access more care, hypothetically. “Even though there aren't localized community centers, for example, in the mountains or where it's hard to access doctors, people can log on via WeChat - the Chinese messaging app.

There are lots of mini-apps of hospitals and services, and hypothetically can access a doctor straight away at the click of their fingers. The problem with that is most of these online services are still privatized, and so we see that most of the patients accessing those online services are the wealthier middle class living in the urban areas who access private consultations mostly for convenience.”

How to go about China and what to expect?

It is crucial for companies to focus on localization and understand China's policy structures in order to succeed, says Ruby Wang, former Head of Health for the UK Government in China at the British Embassy Beijing; Adviser on Health Policy for the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in China, who today works as a doctor in the NHS and a consultant to companies interested in entering the Chinese market.

Collaborating with regional health ministries or working with Chinese-born tech outside of China may also be viable options.

Data, the Chinese Way

Data privacy difficulties make it difficult for foreign entities to bring AI products out of China once they have been developed using local data.

However, there is optimism for progress in this area as the government defines what counts as health data and products.

Word harder, harder, the hardest

In 2018, Kai Fu Lee published a book AI Superpowers, which compares the tech innovation space and mindset in the US and China. Among other things, he mentions that while entrepreneurs in the US work hard, the Chinese are even more competitive. “I’m sure you’ve heard about the 996 culture in tech, where you work, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, six days a week or more. There's been a lot of backlash in recent years, even Jack Ma and heads of big tech companies in China have come out and said, we've never encouraged this type of working behavior. But definitely, this huge push to work hard to get your goals has been the case throughout the past years,” comments Ruby Wang.

Tune in to the full episode.

Show notes

Ruby's Background and Role in Health and Life Sciences Consultancy

03:12-04:42

Ruby's Role as Head of Health for the UK Government in China

04:42-07:41

Key Learnings from Bilateral Collaboration between UK and China

07:41-08:18

Ruby's Role as Medical Advisor for Large Tech Company in China

18:11-22:23

Challenges for Companies Entering the Chinese Market

23:21-31:31

Comparison of Healthcare Systems in China and UK

41:37-49:29

Final Thoughts on Digital Health in China

50:06-54:09