Chongqing—From treating rare immune disorders to helping overseas families navigate appointments and insurance payments, Chongqing is showcasing its pediatric expertise and support services as part of efforts to attract international patients.
The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, one of China's leading pediatric medical centers, showcased its specialist capabilities at the city's first dedicated event promoting international medical services on October 16. The gathering brought together around 200 participants, including consular representatives from 6 countries and regions, representatives of 10 Chongqing medical institutions, insurers and international travel operators.
A representative from the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University presents at the event. (Photo/The Organizer)
Rare diseases were among the areas highlighted. Yang Chao, deputy director of the hospital's medical affairs department, said the hospital had successfully cured a child with tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) deficiency through hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the world's first such case. The achievement provided clinical evidence that this treatment works for the rare immune disorder.
According to hospital figures, its primary immunodeficiency treatment and transplant center had performed 352 transplants for primary immunodeficiencies as of August 2026, with an overall survival rate above 90%. These included 142 transplants for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, the largest number performed by any single center worldwide.
These treatment experiences offer a clear example of the specialist care Chongqing provides to international patients and healthcare partners.
For families considering medical treatment abroad, clinical expertise is only part of the decision. Language, appointment arrangements and insurance payments also shape their experience.
Wang Yi, the hospital's vice president, said its broad pediatric expertise enables it to provide high-quality care for children with complex and rare conditions. The hospital has also developed a comprehensive international patient service system covering arrangements before and after arrival in China.
Services include a dedicated international care area, multilingual assistance, multidisciplinary team consultations and direct billing with insurers, Wang said. Together, they are designed to help overseas families navigate their children's treatment in an unfamiliar healthcare system.
The hospital's services are supported by wider efforts to coordinate medical care and related assistance across the city. At the event, Chongqing presented YUE JOY MEDITRAVEL, a comprehensive international medical services platform designed to help patients access medical consultations, multilingual support, appointment booking, visa invitation letter assistance and payment services, alongside personalized travel planning.
Xie Lina, director of the Finance Department at the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, speaks at an international medical insurance matchmaking meeting. (Photo/The Organizer)
Hospitals, insurers and third-party service providers also discussed expanding direct-billing networks, simplifying claims and developing insurance products for people traveling for medical care. Chongqing plans to use direct billing as a starting point for improving payment services for international patients.
Guided by the Chongqing Municipal Health Commission and organized by the Chongqing Health Talent Development and International Exchange Center, the event provided a venue for medical institutions and international partners to explore cooperation in clinical care, patient services and insurance payment.