The Rise of Online Medical Consultations in China
China has witnessed a remarkable surge in the use of online platforms for medical consultations. This trend is fueled by several factors, including the growing accessibility of smartphones and internet access, the increasing popularity of e-commerce, and the rising cost of traditional healthcare.
According to a 2021 report by the National Health Commission of China, a staggering 36.1% of the Chinese population utilized online platforms for medical consultations in 2020. This represents a significant increase from the 27.9% who used such platforms in 2019.
The report further revealed the most common reasons for using online platforms for medical consultations:
- To obtain information about a medical condition (72.4%)
- To schedule an appointment with a doctor (58.3%)
- To obtain a second opinion on a diagnosis (45.2%)
- To fill a prescription (39.1%)
The use of online platforms for medical consultations is projected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years. This is attributed to the increasing adoption of digital health technologies, the growing awareness of the benefits of online healthcare, and the government’s support for the development of the digital health industry.
Key Takeaways
- 36.1% of the Chinese population used online platforms for medical consultations in 2020.
- The most common reasons for using online platforms for medical consultations are to obtain information about a medical condition, schedule an appointment with a doctor, get a second opinion on a diagnosis, and fill a prescription.
- The use of online platforms for medical consultations is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Conclusion
The use of online platforms for medical consultations is gaining significant traction in China. This trend is driven by several factors, including the increasing availability of smartphones and internet access, the growing popularity of e-commerce, and the rising cost of traditional healthcare. The use of online platforms for medical consultations is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
References
- National Health Commission of China. (2021). Report on the Development of the Health Industry in China (2020). Retrieved from http://www.nhc.gov.cn/yzygj/s7659/202104/428247.shtml
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