A gastrointestinal surgeon from Renji Hospital in Shanghai conducts a remote operation through a robotic system on July 17, 2025. [Photo/China Daily]

Shanghai has unveiled an action plan to boost the development of high-end medical devices, emphasizing innovation and industrial aggregation.

The action plan, issued by the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, outlines 20 measures designed to strengthen the city's global influence in the sector.

By 2027, Shanghai aims to secure over 500 new approvals for Class III domestic medical devices and have more than 100 domestic products approved in overseas markets.

The city also plans to cultivate at least two internationally competitive leading enterprises, each with an annual output value exceeding 10 billion yuan ($1.41 billion), and establish three major high-end medical device industrial clusters in Minhang, Jiading, and Pudong New Area.

The initiative prioritizes the development of "7+X" categories of medical devices, including high-end medical imaging, implantable and interventional products, surgical systems, radiation therapy equipment, AI-powered medical instruments, and other future innovative products.

In recent years, Shanghai has strengthened its position as a national leader in medical device innovation.

In 2024, the city approved 15 Class III innovative domestic medical devices, accounting for one-third of the national total, along with 17 imported innovative devices.

The output value of Shanghai’s medical device manufacturing sector reached 55.5 billion yuan last year, representing 27.6 percent of the local biomedical industry.

To further enhance innovation capacity, Shanghai will establish a comprehensive system spanning basic research, technology development, product design, clinical application, and industrial aggregation.

Cross-sector collaboration will be encouraged through specialized platforms such as key laboratories, technology service platforms, and concept-validation centers.

The city will also optimize policy and financial support, encouraging investment in high-potential fields including brain-computer interfaces and surgical robots.

In addition, reforms in medical insurance will support the adoption of innovative devices by expanding coverage through health insurance programs.

Source: Wenhui Daily