As China expands its visa-free policies, an increasing number of foreigners are coming to the country for purposes beyond tourism and shopping. In recent years, medical care has emerged as a new and compelling reason for their visits. Haifu Hospital in Chongqing, a pioneer in focused ultrasound technology, recently received a patient from Luxembourg. “I came here for a Haifu focused ultrasound operation to treat my uterine fibroids,” the patient shared. “I knew this technology originated in China, and I thought, if China invented this technique, it must be the best—with the most professional knowledge and rich clinical experience. So I talked to my Spanish doctor and said I wanted a second operation, but I insisted on coming to China.” She endured a 24-hour flight, an 8-hour time difference, and half a day of adjustment. Remarkably, she underwent a medical examination and the operation in a single day, and the day after the procedure, she felt very well: she could walk around freely, experienced minimal pain, and did not need to take any painkillers.
Uterine fibroids typically cause increased menstrual flow, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and even infertility. To explain the principle of focused ultrasound ablation simply, it is similar to a game many of us played in childhood: holding a magnifying glass under sunlight. The magnifying glass acts as a focusing tool, concentrating light into a single point. Similarly, focused ultrasound uses the same principle—ultrasound waves are focused on a specific target, raising the tissue temperature to above 65 degrees Celsius, which achieves coagulative necrosis. This process ablates the lesion without causing any trauma to the body’s surface, making it a minimally invasive and safe treatment option.
From a philosophical perspective, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differs slightly from Western medicine. It adopts an individualized approach, treating each patient uniquely. “The uterus is, of course, for bearing children, but it is not just a ‘redundant’ organ,” explained a medical professional at Haifu Hospital. “We hold the view that every part of the human body is important, and preserving the integrity of the body is a key principle in our treatment.”
To date, Haifu Hospital has treated more than 100 foreign patients of different skin colors from approximately 35 countries. Language is no longer a barrier for these international patients: the hospital’s medical staff can communicate in English, and advanced translation software further ensures smooth and effective communication. Importantly, Chongqing Haifu’s focused ultrasound ablation technology is an original Chinese innovation, currently leading the world by a significant margin. The Haifu Knife equipment developed by the hospital has been exported to 37 countries, benefiting more than 300,000 tumor patients worldwide.
The rising number of international patients coming to China for focused ultrasound ablation not only reflects the global recognition of China’s medical technology but also highlights the advantages of minimally invasive treatments that prioritize organ preservation. As China continues to open up and its medical technology advances, it is expected that more foreign patients will choose China for high-quality, innovative medical care.