ASSESSMENT OF ATTRACTIVENESS FACTORS AND BARRIERS FOR CHINESE PATIENTS IN THE EXPORT OF MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM OF ST. PETERSBURG

DOI: 10.22138/2500-0918-2026-23-2-254-264

A.K. Dulaev¹, I.N. Platonov¹, I.M. Akulin²

¹Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Russian Federation, St. Petersburg

²Saint Petersburg State University, Russian Federation, St. Petersburg

Abstract. The export of medical services is a strategic direction for the development of healthcare in the Russian Federation, and the People's Republic of China (PRC) is considered as one of the promising markets for attracting foreign patients. In this regard, assessing the dynamics of applications from PRC citizens is of key importance for identifying existing problems and determining directions for further development of bilateral cooperation. Objective. To assess the dynamics, factors, and barriers in the decision-making of PRC citizens regarding receiving medical care in medical organizations of St. Petersburg, in order to identify promising areas for the development of medical services exports. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in St. Petersburg. The object of the study was data on 1,235,429 foreign patients who received medical care during the period from 2018 to 2024. Data from the state medical statistical reporting of the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Healthcare Institution «Medical Information and Analytical Center» were used. The continuous observation method was applied. Results. During the study period, 24,583 PRC citizens received medical care (1.99% of the total flow of foreign patients). The peak value was recorded in 2022 (6,124 patients). Since 2022, a steady decline has been observed, with the number of patients dropping to 2,358 by 2024. The rate of decline in 2024 compared to 2022 was 61.5%, and compared to 2019 – 43.4%. The share of Chinese patients in the total flow decreased from 1.7% in 2018 to 0.6% in 2024. Conclusions. The dynamics of recent years are characterized by a steady decline in the patient flow from the PRC, which is most likely due to a combination of linguistic, cultural, logistical, and marketing barriers, as well as increasing competition from Asian medical hubs. Promising areas for development include the adaptation of medical organizations to the needs of Chinese patients (the «China Friendly» standard), the intensification of marketing activities in the Chinese market, and the simplification of visa procedures.

Keywords: export of medical services, medical tourism, foreign patients, People's Republic of China

There is no conflict of interest.
Contact details of the corresponding author:
Igor N. Platonov
platonov.igor@mail.ru
Received: 3.03.2026

For citation: Dulaev A.K., Platonov I.N., Akulin I.M. Assessment of attractiveness factors and barriers for chinese patients in the export of medical services system of St. Petersburg [Online] Vestn. Ural. Med. Akad. Nauki. = Journal of Ural Medical Academic Science. 2026, Vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 254–264. DOI: 10.22138/2500-0918-2026-23-2-254-264 (In Russ)

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Authors
Alexander K. Dulaev
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation
Head of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg
akdulaev@gmail.com
6-8 Leo Tolstoy Street, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 197022
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4079-5541

Igor N. Platonov
Candidate of Medical Sciences (PhD)
Associate Professor, Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg
6-8 Leo Tolstoy Street, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 197022
platonov.igor@mail.ru
SPIN-code: 3910-1741
AuthorID: 1102074
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0548-8012

Igor M. Akulin
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor
Head of the Department of Healthcare Organization and Medical Law, St. Petersburg State University
7-9 Universitetskaya Embankment, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 199034
akulinim@yandex.ru
SPIN-code: 9115-1178
AuthorID: 725885
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3945-6438