Experts optimistic of sector's future in long term

As reforms in the healthcare sector deepen, Chinese doctors will eventually be able to work independently, said Martin Shen, president of Tencent Trusted Doctors.

The company has been expanding cooperation with group medical practices to provide doctors with platforms that are independent of the public hospital system, Shen said.

Formed through a merger between Tencent's medical unit Doctorwork and Shanghai-based startup Trusted Doctors, the company has the largest network of private online-to-offline clinics in China as well as the largest number of ambulatory surgery centers.