Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning recently posted a video on social media showcasing China’s smart hospitals, sparking widespread discussion among global netizens. The video highlights fully automated drug dispensing systems operating with precision around the clock, advanced robotic surgical systems, cutting-edge prosthetic technologies, and more—all widely deployed in Chinese hospitals that rival five-star hotels in sophistication. “This is what the future of healthcare looks like,” the video proclaims. Mao Ning stated, “China is leading the future of hospital development, and this is what people-centered Investments means.” Industry experts note that with over 100 Top-tier Hospitals nationwide now deploying DeepSeek AI, the technology is further empowering hospital modernization, ushering in a new era of intelligent, Chinese-style medical care.

China’s “smart hospital” initiative has evolved over a decade since the concept was first introduced in 2014. In 2023, China’s Public Hospital High-Quality Development Evaluation Index formally incorporated “smart hospital construction” into its assessment criteria. Rapid advancements in 5G, big data, and AI have become key enablers of this transformation. By 2025, China is experiencing its “DeepSeek moment,” with AI-driven smart hospitals gaining momentum. As of early March, incomplete statistics show that over 100Top-tier Hospitals have adopted DeepSeek, bringing AI-powered healthcare into reality. Several hospitals have recently unveiled groundbreaking applications.

Surgical Planning Reduced from Days to Minutes

In February, Peking Union Medical College Hospital launched China’s first rare disease-focused AI model, “Xiehe·Taichu,” offering preliminary diagnosis consultation and appointment booking. Developed using China’s data base on rare disease data and genetic data, the model helps doctors diagnose rare conditions more accurately and swiftly, significantly shortening diagnosis times. Meanwhile, Beijing Children’s Hospital introduced the nation’s first “AI Pediatrician,” and Shanghai Ruijin Hospital unveiled the Ruizhi Pathology Model, which can identify diseased areas in Lab test samples within seconds. The Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital’s AI-powered surgical planning system has slashed Surgery preparation from days to just 2-5 minutes.

Other innovations include AI “patient navigators” reducing wait times and unnecessary visits, “smart assistants” aiding doctors with pre-consultation notes and electronic records, and “health managers” facilitating follow-ups and long-term care. From assisted diagnosis and disease screening to hospital administration and clinical research, AI is making strides across the healthcare spectrum.

Doctors: AI-Assisted Treatment Still Has A Long Way to Go
Amid the AI healthcare boom, some physicians offer cautious perspectives. As reported by CCTV, most AI medical products are currently used in mid-to-large hospitals, with limited adoption in primary care facilities serving general patients. “Compared to the tens of thousands in upfront costs, AI applications in assisting treatment are somewhat ‘a bit superfluous.’” remarked Zhang Fuchun, Director of Beijing Haidian Hospital. “It generates verbose, low-value output. I’d rather rely on my own judgment.” He noted that medical diagnosis involves nuanced decision-making, and AI remains underdeveloped in this regard. Zhang acknowledged that medical AI is still in early stages phase, emphasizing that the priority should be addressing real clinical needs rather than adding complexity for doctors and patients.

Experts Call for Stronger AI Healthcare Regulations

The interplay between technological progress and regulatory oversight requires further clarification, especially in healthcare—a field directly tied to public well-being. Zhang Kun, Vice President of the Healthcare and Wellness Industry Branch of the China Information Association pointed out that AI systems process vast amounts of patient data, yet China’s current legal frameworks lack robust data protection measures, raising risks of leaks or misuse. Rapid AI advancements also outpace traditional healthcare regulations, creating oversight gaps. Market access remains uncertain.

Experts urge the government to accelerate the formulation of AI healthcare laws and regulations, clarifying data privacy standards, approval processes for AI medical devices, and quality control requirements. They also recommend establishing industry standards through collaboration between medical institutions and professional associations to ensure the safety, efficacy, and compliance of AI applications.

Editor: Ymmm