Millions of people in China have been introduced to telemedicine by some of China’s largest technology companies, the Wall Street Journal reported.

(Photo: Agencies)

Industry analysts said this could mark a watershed in the way online medicine develops in China, which is a model for the expansion of telemedicine in other countries.

The report also said China’s telemedicine platforms increased from less than 150 to 600 since the end of 2019. China is taking measures to promote the development of telemedicine to strengthen its primary health care system by decongesting large hospitals.

COVID-19 has given a boost to the telemedicine industry. When offline health care resources are occupied and more chose to stay at home during the pandemic, it was more convenient for people to see doctors online.

China’s telemedicine is mainly used to make appointments, online consultations and inquiries, asking for personal examination reports and doctor’s information, and in long-term treatment.

More hospitals are cooperating with technology companies to speed up the convergence of medical care with 5G, big data, artificial intelligence to develop more telemedicine application scenarios, and provide people with more convenience.

(Compiled by Chen Xi'nan)