Parkway bets big on China's health reform plan

SHANGHAI: The government's decision to reform the nation's healthcare system to provide basic health coverage to all citizens is expected to help private and foreign hospital chains, according to a top executive from a foreign hospital.

"I think the Chinese government has clearly recognized the needs of healthcare reform, and part of the reform seems to be opening up the sector for foreign investment," Jeffrey Staples, president of China & North Asia Operations at the Singapore-based hospital chain Parkway Healthcare Group, told China Daily.

"The move will help domestic hospitals enhance their services and capabilities through their partnerships with foreign rivals," he said. Domestic hospitals can also help their foreign rivals in better understanding the market and local patients' demands, said Staples.