The recent surge in hospital visits and the prevalence of IV drips for minor illnesses in China have sparked global concern. Yet, a deeper dive into the country’s healthcare culture reveals that these visuals are not as alarming as they might seem. This article explores the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and separates fact from fiction.

Understanding the Real Story Behind the Alarming Visuals

The Healthcare Culture Driving Hospital Visits

The images circulating online depict Chinese hospitals brimming with patients, many receiving intravenous (IV) drips. While these scenes evoke memories of the COVID-19 pandemic, they reflect a distinct healthcare culture rather than a resurgence of the virus. In China, it is common practice for individuals to seek treatment at large hospitals, even for minor ailments. Unlike India, where people typically consult local general practitioners first, the Chinese preference for tertiary hospitals has long been documented in various studies.This tendency can be traced back to the overall performance of public health centers (PHCs) in China. Despite significant government investment over the past decade, PHCs continue to struggle. Patients gravitate toward larger hospitals due to perceived higher quality care and advanced facilities. The fragmented nature of China’s healthcare system, lacking coordination between primary, secondary, and tertiary care, exacerbates this issue. Without family doctors serving as gatekeepers, patients bypass smaller clinics, leading to overcrowded big hospitals.

Challenges Facing Local Doctors and Primary Health Centers

Local doctors and primary health centers (PHCs) face considerable challenges in China. The daily patient volume treated by PHC institutions is only a fraction of that seen in tertiary hospitals. A study published in the International Journal of Health Policy and Management highlights the insufficient patient volume as a critical barrier to enhancing the capacity of family doctors. This lack of patient engagement makes it difficult for PHCs to improve their services and gain trust.In one developed city, PHCs correctly diagnosed just 44.11% of standardized patients with conditions like unstable angina and asthma, with an even lower correct treatment rate of 24.19%. Another study from Shanghai revealed that only 25.3% of patients had high trust in their family doctors. Consequently, patients opt for tertiary hospitals, further straining these facilities during peak seasons like winter when infections are prevalent.

The Role of IV Drips in Chinese Medical Practice

One striking feature of the visuals from Chinese hospitals is the widespread use of IV drips. Intravenous infusions are deeply ingrained in Chinese medical culture. According to a BMJ article by a Chinese nurse, the country consumed 10.4 billion bottles of infusion fluid in 2009—equivalent to eight bottles per person on average. This contrasts sharply with other countries, where consumption rarely exceeds 2.5 to 3 bottles per person.The overuse of IV drips remains a contentious issue in mainland China. Typically reserved for patients whose conditions cannot be effectively managed through oral medications or injections, IV drips are often requested by patients who perceive them as more potent treatments. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman at the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) COVID Task Force, noted a similar psychology among some Indian patients. He observed that patients frequently request prescriptions and drips, doubting the doctor’s credibility if denied. In China, this demand extends to children, with parents insisting on IV drips even for minor illnesses.

Misinterpreting the Visuals: Separating Fact from Fiction

The distressing images of crowded hospitals and children on IV drips have fueled global anxiety. However, these visuals primarily reflect cultural practices and systemic issues within China’s healthcare system rather than a new health crisis. The preference for large hospitals and the widespread use of IV drips contribute to the appearance of overwhelmed facilities. Understanding this context is crucial to avoid unnecessary panic and to appreciate the complexities of healthcare delivery in China.