Sanlitun center treats foreigners like natives_美文

Sanlitun center treats foreigners like natives

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Community health service centers play a vital role for Chinese patients, but they also provide services to expatriates.

Sanlitun, an area of Beijing with a large foreign population, is a prime example.

Nestled among embassies and expat residences, Sanlitun health service center receives about 120,000 patients a year. Of these, more than 400 are expatriates, including staff members of embassies and companies and their families, said Cui Xueli, director of the center.

"We charge them the same price that we charge Chinese patients," he said.

According to Cui, expats go to the center mainly for vaccinations for their children and physical checkups before they start kindergarten. Some come for treatment of minor ailments such as colds, fevers or inflammations, as well as dental problems.

Foreigners are also attracted by traditional Chinese medicine.

"The number of foreigners who come for our TCM service has been increasing gradually over the years," Cui said.

Jiao Bin, a doctor at the center's TCM department, said some foreigners come in groups, and many seek to relieve symptoms of work pressure, such as insomnia or digestive problems.

"It is much cheaper in China," he said.

It costs just 3 yuan ($0.49) to consult a doctor at the center.

Tian Yali, head of the center's healthcare department, which handles children's inoculations and physical checkups, agreed that the low price is a key factor.