Shanghai TOWAKO Hospital, a wholly-owned subsidiary of leading Japanese medical institution TOWAKO Group, is a pioneer of foreign medical capital entering the Chinese market, a result of the further opening up policy of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

The Shanghai FTZ released a number of measures expanding opening up of the service industry as well as a new foreign investment negative list soon after its inauguration in September 2013 that allowed the launch of foreign wholly-owned medical institutions.

In July 2014, the State Council approved 31 measures to further expand the opening up of the Shanghai FTZ, cancelling the limitation on minimum investment amounts and operation periods of foreign-invested medical institutions.

These favorable policies built up the confidence of TOWAKO Group to bring Japan's medical technology and services to China.

TOWAKO's president wanted to open branches in China many years ago, as over 400 Chinese couples go to the Japanese hospital for medical treatment every year due to its well-known good service.

Therefore, TOWAKO Group applied for a Chinese business license in 2014 and obtained one a year later, leading to the birth of the Shanghai TOWAKO Hospital.

"The Japanese hospital has nurtured many Chinese students and exchanges between Chinese and Japanese doctors have been strengthened. TOWAKO's arrival in China will make it more convenient for Chinese patients. And overseas Chinese students can bring Japanese technology back to China to benefit more patients," said Fan Yu, chairman of Shanghai TOWAKO Hospital.

The Shanghai hospital started operation in May 2016, and has proceeded well thanks to the support of the Shanghai FTZ administration and the improved business environment of the FTZ.

The hospital mainly specializes in gynecology, infertility and reproductive health, traditional Chinese medicine, and health management. It is now planning to build a minimally-invasive therapy center and a research institute.

A medical professional works at the Shanghai TOWAKO Hospital in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. [Photo/xinmin.cn]

People wait for medical treatment  at the Shanghai TOWAKO Hospital in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. [Photo/xinmin.cn]