Hospital Visit in Beijing

So I had the unfortunately opportunity to visit a Beijing hospital since I was pretty sick from bad food a while ago. Given that I'm told people have died there of such things I didn't want to take any chances.

While the quality of Chinese health care is quite challenging on many levels. Many big hospitals have wings that cater to ex-pats that can pay accordingly. Generally equipped with English-speaking or Western doctors and update-to-date equipment, they are the life-line for foreigners, though for serious injuries or elective surgery, Hong Kong is the preferred alternative.

So, my friend chose the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, regarded as the best in Beijing. The foreigner wing was empty and I was the only patient, so I had the doctor, nurse, pharmacist, lab tech, and receptionist to myself - they were all very nice.

After my an examination, blood and other tests, etc. the doctor indicated I had inflammation in my digestive track and prescribed two medications, which they sold me on the spot. Total cost for registration, exam, lab tests, medicine, etc. was $45. That probably would have been $450 in the U.S. I have heard challenging stories from some hospitals, but my experience was exemplary.

I feel bad for local Chinese who do not receive such care, who have been pushed into a system they cannot afford (with docs and hospitals incented to do tests and sell drugs), and who generally do not fare well in the current system.