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Health in China

Health in China
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Health in China. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A 32-year-old Chinese man sought medical attention for stomach pain and was astonished to learn that a thermometer he had swallowed when he was 12 years old had remained inside him for 20 years. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo
Trending in China

Chinese man with stomach pain finds thermometer swallowed as child still inside him

Surgeons perform emergency operation to remove offending object; extracted device remains intact but temperature measurements had faded.

India

Opinion | Asia’s flood of cheap Ozempic generics opens gates to weight-loss abuse

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Biomedicine: Companies

Global drug makers face pricing pressure as China targets affordable healthcare

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Trending in China

Doctors warn of spinal cord damage as ‘neck-hanging exercise’ trends with China youth

Trend of hanging from parkland trees by the neck to relieve cervical pain shocks social media; practice is already popular with elderly people.

In a bid to replicate cervical traction therapy used in hospitals, a new trend called the “neck-hanging exercise” has emerged among young Chinese people. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote
Trending in China

China youth flock to TCM bars for ‘prescription cocktails’ amid ‘punk wellness’ trend

Younger generation embrace notion of ‘wrecking yourself while saving yourself’ by drinking concoctions of booze and herbs.

Biomedicine: Companies

China biotech deals hit record as innovative drugs draw global interest

Deals reach US$60 billion in first quarter after analysts say Chinese biotech firms have shown substantial technological advancements.

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Trending in China

‘Intimate touch therapy’ sparks debate in China over using hugs, sensory tools

Crossing boundaries debate rages as new treatment sees partially clothed stressed-out clients hugged, touched with feathers.

A new profession known as “intimate touch therapists” has sparked a boundaries debate in China. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote
Trending in China

Eating silk, cacti, just 1 meal a day – all done to get thin in ancient China

While being plump had a place in China’s history, extreme diets, constricting clothes formed part of nation’s centuries-old desire for slimness.

Trending in China

Chinese man has chopstick stuck in his throat for 8 years, shuns surgery due to fear

Alcoholic goes to hospital for check-up but rejects operation which would require surgeons to cut his neck to remove eating implement.

Artificial intelligence

AI | AI to narrow China’s rural-urban economic divide

Farmers, schools and healthcare facilities in rural China are benefiting from policies designed to promote the use of artificial intelligence nationwide.

AI to narrow China’s rural-urban economic divide
Trending in China

How a 102-year-old ‘baby’ in China has been hospital-free for 50 years

‘Cheerful’ centenarian with sharp eyesight, nimble hands still mend shoes and socks; values family harmony above all else.

A 102-year-old woman in China, nicknamed “Old Baby,” is notable for her longevity tips, including sleeping 15 hours a day, enjoying pig trotters and Chinese wine. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin
China society

Being Chinese | In China, some of us are keeping elderly care in the family – for now

My extended family has taken time to reach a decision about my grandma’s daily care. As the rest of us age, I’m also preparing options.

Two Sessions 2026

China to pursue commercial health insurance to ease strain, support innovation

Commercial health insurance enters China’s policy agenda as an ageing population and costs strain basic coverage.

Made in China 2025

Hong Kong-listed Chinese drug firms set to turn corner on rising sales, deals

Chinese pharmaceutical firms are poised for profit growth, driven by innovative drug sales and licensing deals, despite pricing pressures.

Pills are produced and packed at Modern Pharmaceutical’s factory. Photo: Shutterstock
Trending in China

Self-styled China doctors nabbed over ‘bloodletting therapy’ to ‘remove’ evil energy

Unlicensed ‘medical staff’ sink long needle into man’s arm to extract blood; dump dirty equipment and stained gauze swabs on ‘clinic’ floor.

The Chinese authorities have cracked down on self-proclaimed doctors who have been performing “bloodletting therapy”, claiming it can remove evil energy. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo/Zhihu
Trending in China

China youth embrace ‘old-school humans’ style; stories get 1 billion views online

Young people are turning their backs on parties, fashion and fine dining in hope of finding ‘the good life’ by embracing simplicity.

China trade

Why more foreign medical patients are opting for ‘China speed’

The speed, efficiency and affordability of treatment in China is attracting foreign patients, but some bottlenecks need to be cleared.

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China’s crackdowns

China charges former AstraZeneca executive – a sign of the times?

Foreign drug makers face pressure in the Chinese market, from tighter regulatory oversight to growing local competition.

In January, AstraZeneca announced plans to invest US$15 billion in China, its second-largest market. Photo: Shutterstock
Human rights in China

China probes mental hospitals over reports patients are being locked up in scam

Reports of ‘prison-like’ conditions and fake diagnoses in one province prompt national watchdog to order investigation.

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Trending in China

China couple, 102, born on same day, gain online attention, credit longevity to respecting privacy

Sprightly centenarians with opposite tastes, different daily routines raise large family; find happiness by minding their own business.

Trending in China

China woman aims to look her best as bridesmaid resorts to extreme diet, suffers prediabetes

Slim figure seeking 26-year-old runs 10 km a day, cuts food intake, does high-intensity workouts; sheds 15kg in 2 months.

A young Chinese woman who wanted to look her best as a bridesmaid resorted to extreme dieting and lost 15kg in two months, leading to prediabetes. Photo: Shutterstock
Trending in China

China grandma, 101, stays up late to watch TV, enjoys snacks, shares longevity secret

Centenarian captures hearts of many by embracing a ‘reverse lifestyle’ – watching TV until 2am and naturally waking up around 10am.

A 101-year-old Chinese grandmother shares her longevity secret – she stays up until 2am watching TV and enjoys snacks. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Science

A mother’s mind appears restored: might ultrasound be a cure for Alzheimer’s?

After treatment for a separate condition, a Chinese neurologist noticed improvements in cognition.

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Trending in China

China office workers run to bond with peers, clients, pressured to meet speed targets

Working-on the run craze hits big cities as some firms formalise fitness regimes; trend mirrors rise in popularity of marathon running.

Trending in China

Chinese woman swallows raw fish gallbladder to relieve headache ends up in ICU

Fish gallbladder is ‘even more toxic than arsenic’; a few grams are capable of poisoning an individual, larger amounts are potentially fatal.

A Chinese woman swallowed a raw fish gallbladder, believing it would relieve her headache, but ended up in the ICU due to its toxins. Photo: SCMP composite/Baidu/jdfy.cn
Trending in China

China ‘dead or alive’ app allows solo users check in daily, alerts contacts if they miss it

‘Entertaining’ phone app that flirts with taboo notion of death and cost US$140 to develop now valued at US$1.4 million.

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A viral Chinese app called “Dead or Not” helps people who live alone check in daily to confirm that they are alive. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Sohu
Trending in China

China woman, 23, exercises 6 times a week, stops menstruating due to rapid weight loss

Intense workouts see woman’s female hormone levels slump to that of a 50-year-old; doctors warn her to slow down, try yoga instead.

Robotics

Chinese robot conducts complex operation on pig without human intervention

The robot completed 88 per cent of the steps on its first attempt, followed by real-time adjustments and corrections to finish the surgery.

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