14-Oct-14 Distance healthcare cases in China are becoming more common, reflecting the rise in digital healthcare to bridge the chasm between health services in large cities and grassroots rural care. Lack of centralised patient data, uneven distribution of resources and issues over patient registration, appointments and payment have created a space for technology. [image: Reuters/Stringer]

08-Oct-14 Up-and-coming private hospitals in China's overburdened healthcare system are trying to cure a shortage of doctors, which could dent healthcare reforms just as investors are becoming interested. Part of the problem is that most doctors need permission from the public hospitals that employ them before they can accept work in the private sector. (Image: China Daily)

07-Oct-14 Online health is shaping up to be a hot new industry in China, as an increasing number of hospitals begin providing cyber services. According to Alibaba, 15 hospitals across China have joined the "Future Hospital" scheme initiated by its online payment platform Alipay. However it does not (yet) link up with China’s health insurance system. (Image: Alipay)

06-Oct-14 The CEOs of China’s iCareNewLife and Innospring have expressed optimism about smart health monitoring devices, especially in the maternal market, because Chinese parents arewilling to spend on their children's future, starting as early as pregnancy. The key is interaction between patients and machines, for example sharing babies' heartbeats on social media. (Image: Mobisante)

02-Oct-14 China's ageing population, the age profile of rural-to-urban migrants and increasing affluence all mean that urban 40-64 year-olds earning over USD20k are the fastest growing population segment. There are currently 98 million and this will more than double to 236 million by 2024, implying a big rise in demand for healthcare and wellness. [image: Global Demographics]