Can a foreign company own 100% of a hospital?

In the nine pilot areas, yes — wholly foreign-owned hospitals are permitted, with expansion under study per the 2026 Action Plan. Licensing is substantial: health commission, practice license, staffing ratios.

How do medical devices get approved?

NMPA registration by class (I filing, II/III registration); the innovative-device green channel accelerates novel products. Budget clinical evidence where required and plan the registration-entity structure early.

Healthcare & MedTech in China (2026) — Hospitals Pilot, Devices & Pharma Openings

SHORT ANSWER

Wholly foreign-owned hospital pilots run in nine areas (Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangdong, Shenzhen, Hainan); biotech pilots (cell/gene therapy, human genetic resources) in Beijing/Shanghai/Guangdong FTZs + Hainan; drug segment-production rules let overseas MAHs manufacture across borders. Medical devices need NMPA registration with innovative-device green channels.

Entry map: (1) Hospitals — health-commission setting approval, practice license, staffing per national standards, 6-12 months for prepared sponsors; (2) MedTech — NMPA device registration by class, the innovative pathway accelerates two models; anchor-institution partnerships (pilot hospitals) create direct channels past distributors; (3) Pharma — MAH + segment production (2026 implementation rules) lets EU/US-licensed holders finish product onshore; (4) Data — clinical/health data localization and the healthcare field-level negative lists decide your cross-border analytics. All tracks: Chinese-language systems and ICPA-grade documentation are expected.

One partner for the whole journey

Zhonghui Consulting — licensed, fixed-fee, English-speaking. cross-border compliance engagements, ICPA-reviewed.

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General information only — not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Rules change; verify with official sources (SAMR, STA, SAFE, MOFCOM, NIA) and licensed advisors before acting.