A Nepali national whose Chinese name is Wang Zi buys medicine at a health care self-service point in Jimingshan community, Yiwu. [Photo/ywcity.cn]
Yiwu has enrolled 7,979 foreign nationals in basic medical and maternity insurance, the highest number in Zhejiang province.
A Nepali national whose Chinese name is Wang Zi experienced the convenience of Yiwu's healthcare system firsthand. After participating in a traditional Chinese medicine consultation in Jimingshan community, he visited a 24-hour smart pharmacy, where he easily purchased vitamins using his medical insurance card. The pharmacy offers services in multiple languages, including English, South Korean, and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for all.
Jimingshan community has over 1,388 foreign residents from 74 countries. To cater to this diverse population, the Yiwu Medical Insurance Bureau established the city's first community-based self-service medical insurance location. This facility allows foreign residents to access remote consultations, unmanned pharmacies, and instant insurance settlements.
Yiwu, a global trade hub, hosts nearly 60,000 foreign merchants annually, with 21,000 residing in the city. The local government has developed a comprehensive service model for foreign nationals, ensuring they receive the same medical insurance benefits as local residents. This includes coverage for outpatient visits, chronic diseases, and hospitalizations.
The city has also extended insurance benefits to the families of foreign residents. For example, foreign children enrolled in eligible local schools can participate in Yiwu's basic and critical illness insurance programs.
Yiwu's efforts to integrate foreign nationals into its healthcare system have been supported by various initiatives, including the establishment of overseas service stations in Dubai, the Czech Republic, and Spain. These stations assist with insurance registration and other services for overseas Chinese and foreign merchants.
By simplifying procedures and providing multilingual support, Yiwu continues to enhance the healthcare experience for its international community, ensuring that all residents can access quality medical care.
