Fosun Pharma, a Shanghai-based healthcare unit of Fosun International, has successfully delivered its first locally built surgical robot to clients in China. The milestone achievement is part of Fosun Pharma’s efforts to make advanced medical technology more affordable and accessible to Chinese patients. The company partnered with California-based Intuitive Surgical to establish a 700 million yuan research and production base in Shanghai.
The Da Vinci surgical system, based on artificial intelligence, allows surgeons to perform complex and minimally invasive operations from a console. It has been used in over 10 million surgeries worldwide, delivering better results and faster patient recoveries. Fosun Pharma’s delivery of the first locally built robot comes after the successful importation of 360 Da Vinci robots to local clients.
China’s growing middle-class consumer base is increasingly aware of the importance of quality healthcare, thereby driving demand for world-class medical devices and treatments. Local production of surgical robots, such as the Da Vinci system, is a significant step towards bringing best-in-class technology to Chinese patients. The Chinese government’s industrial strategy, Made in China 2025, aims to have 70% of mid-tier to high-end medical devices manufactured domestically by 2025 and 95% by 2030.
Fosun Pharma’s commitment to introducing advanced foreign medical technology and talent to China is further demonstrated by its exclusive distribution of the mRNA Covid-19 vaccine produced by German firm BioNTech. Additionally, the company has a venture with US-based Kite Pharma to supply CAR-T cell therapy products in the local market.
Other international pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers are also looking to tap into the extensive Chinese market as Beijing opens it up to foreign goods and services. Yamada Aki, of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, believes China can accelerate her company’s development of new products, making it their third-largest foreign market.
The China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s largest import trade show, recently concluded with a record-breaking $78.4 billion worth of deals, highlighting the increasing appetite for foreign goods and services in China. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of consumer vitality and further reopening of China’s economy as potential drivers for global economic growth.
In conclusion, Fosun Pharma’s successful delivery of locally built surgical robots marks a significant milestone in China’s ambition to provide the best medical technology to its patients. With the demand for cutting-edge medical devices on the rise, the country aims to increase domestic production of these devices to meet its healthcare needs. By collaborating with international partners and enhancing its market accessibility, China is positioning itself as a major player in the global healthcare industry.
