Big news! The National Private Hospital Management Year is here!

On September 3, the National Health Commission issued the "Notice on Launching the 'Private Hospital Management Year' Campaign," signaling that private hospitals will now face regulatory oversight in medical quality and hospital management—on par with public hospitals. Industry insiders believe this move will have a profound impact on the sustained and healthy development of privately-run healthcare providers. Moving forward, private medical institutions that fail to prioritize both institutional management capabilities and medical quality will soon find themselves under stricter scrutiny.

According to data from the National Health Commission's Information Center, as of the end of June 2020, the number of hospitals nationwide reached 35,000, including 12,000 public hospitals and 23,000 private hospitals. With the ongoing advancement of policies aimed at streamlining administration, regulation, and service delivery, the number of privately-run medical institutions has been growing rapidly. However, the longstanding issues of being "small," "disorganized," and "substandard" within the private healthcare sector continue to be a major concern for industry stakeholders.

Just recently, a deputy to the National People's Congress submitted a proposal to the National Health Commission titled "Suggestions on Strengthening Regulation of Private Hospitals and Effectively Safeguarding the Health Rights and Interests of the Public." In response, the Health Commission provided an update on the current state of development and existing challenges faced by private hospitals, while also outlining its next steps for managing these institutions.

Today (September 3), the National Health Commission officially issued the "Notice on Launching the 'Private Hospital Management Year' Campaign," marking the first time private hospitals will face regulatory oversight—on par with public hospitals—in terms of medical quality and hospital management. Industry insiders believe this move will have a profound impact on the sustained, healthy development of privately-run healthcare providers. Moving forward, private medical institutions that fail to prioritize their management capabilities and medical quality will soon find themselves under strict scrutiny.

Original intention of the event: To enhance the management capabilities of private hospitals.

The notice stated that, in order to implement the "Opinions on Promoting the Sustainable, Healthy, and Standardized Development of Socially-Run Healthcare," and to encourage private hospitals to strengthen their internal development, standardize clinical practices, and comprehensively enhance service capabilities and management levels, the National Health Commission and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine have decided to launch a three-year "Private Hospital Management Year" campaign starting from August 2020.

Building on the "Private Hospital Management Year" campaign, we will explore establishing a long-term mechanism for private hospital management, thereby fostering continuous improvement in the management capabilities of private hospitals.

Meanwhile, identify, establish, and promote exemplary models and advanced practices, highlighting a group of private hospitals that boast standardized management, outstanding quality, high patient satisfaction, and strong social recognition. This will lay a solid foundation for replicating these cutting-edge experiences nationwide. Health authorities at all levels should fully leverage traditional media outlets such as newspapers, radio, and television, as well as emerging platforms like the internet and social media, to widely publicize the initiative. They should combine focused, large-scale campaigns with ongoing, day-to-day outreach efforts, fostering a positive public opinion environment that supports both the campaign itself and the healthy development of private hospitals.

Practice strictly in accordance with the law and standardize diagnostic and treatment procedures.

Strengthen the management of professional practice. Strictly implement relevant systems and regulations, tailor work requirements to the specific circumstances of medical institutions, and ensure that professional practices are standardized. Medical services must be conducted strictly within the approved practice address and scope of clinical specialties, using standardized names for diagnostic and treatment service items. In accordance with national guidelines, ensure adequate staffing for all relevant positions; all healthcare professionals engaged in medical and health-related technical work must hold the appropriate practicing qualifications and promptly complete registration, amendment procedures, and multi-site practice formalities as required. Additionally,严禁违规对外出租或承包科室, and regularly conduct self-inspections and corrective actions to ensure compliance with legal requirements, thereby effectively fulfilling the primary responsibility for lawful practice.

Strictly adhere to relevant requirements such as clinical practice guidelines, clinical technical operation specifications, industry standards, and medical ethical norms, ensuring rational approaches to examinations, medication, and treatment. Establish clinical practice guidelines and technical operation procedures for common diseases across various specialties, with legally qualified medical personnel conducting disease diagnosis and assessment of patients in accordance with established systems, procedures, standards, and workflows, and subsequently developing tailored treatment plans. For patients with complex, critical conditions or malignant tumors, implement multidisciplinary assessments and comprehensive treatment strategies.

Regulate medical advertising practices. When publishing medical advertisements in various media—including newspapers, radio, local television stations, online platforms, murals, large-scale spray paintings, billboards, and promotional flyers—strictly adhere to the "Measures for the Administration of Medical Advertisements." Ensure proper use of medical institution names and clearly display the document number of the "Medical Advertising Review Certificate." Additionally, rigorously review and approve promotional content posted on self-built websites, official WeChat accounts, and other social media channels, standardizing advertising language to prevent misleading patients.

Medical diagnosis and treatment activities should adhere to the principle of patient informed consent, fulfill the obligation to provide information, respect patients' rights to autonomous decision-making and privacy, honor their cultural customs and religious beliefs, and maintain strict confidentiality of their personal information. Additionally, facilities and management measures for safeguarding patient privacy should be continuously improved.

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