Healthcare in Beijing

If you travel to Beijing over several time zones from a Western country, you’re almost certain to experience jet lag. Jet lag is a condition where the body clock is out of sync with the destination time, as it experiences daylight and darkness contrary to its normal routines. To the degree that the body cannot immediately adjust to the new rhythms, it is jet lagged. Everyone’s adjustment period is different, and time will inevitably cure it. However, it can be uncomfortable and a serious annoyance, considering that you are busy getting settled and trying to adjust to a completely new environment. Symptoms can include digestive problems, headaches, fatigue, irregular sleep patterns, temporary insomnia and irritability.

The speed at which the body adjusts to the new schedule depends on the individual. Some people may require several days to adjust to a new time zone, while others experience little disruption. Global Doctors International does not recommend pharmaceutical remedies such as melatonin, which have not been proven to work. Instead, they advise, force yourself into the new sleeping rhythm right away by fighting through the urge to nap in the afternoon, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Exercise in the morning and evening will induce relaxing sleep and kick your body clock into gear faster.

Drinking Water

Only drink bottled water in Beijing. According to government sources, water testing has registered bacteria and high metal content. Infrastructure projects are underway to purify tap water and render it drinkable, but be safe by sticking to bottled water, which is available everywhere and inexpensive. Restaurants and bars normally use purified ice cubes in drinks, but don’t hesitate to ask anyway. Many expats brush their teeth in tap water, but to be on the safe side, you may want to use bottled water for this when you first arrive.

Food

In a vast country with varying standards of sanitation and enforcement, Beijing is known throughout China for having some of the strictest standards, since more rigorous enforcement mechanisms were put in place in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympics. Many expats hear horror stories about food sanitation in China, the most recent being the tainted milk scandal. Most restaurants and supermarkets – especially those that cater to expats – take food safety seriously, knowing that their business and reputation are at stake. Stick to Western supermarkets for fresh goods, thoroughly wash all produce before you eat it and, as a general rule, patronise popular restaurants. The Chinese are equally wary of food-borne illnesses and if a restaurant is consistently popular, it is very unlikely the food will cause you any problems. The longer you are in Beijing, the more adventurous you can be with eating out. However, regardless of how clean the food is, you may have minor digestion problems during your first few weeks in Beijing. This is normally not cause for alarm, as the body has to adjust to foreign bacteria. Any diarrhea is usually mild and resolves spontaneously. Symptoms can usually be controlled with over-the-counter medications. With moderate symptoms, taking Pepto-Bismol alone may suffice. Alternatively, anti-diarrheal agents such as diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil) or loperamide (Imodium) can be administered. Avoid taking antibiotics unless the problem is severe and persistent.

Health Care

Generally health care in Beijing is up to international standards, and facilities continue to improve. As an expat you should have no trouble finding quality care in one of the many Western-oriented facilities. Even some of the local hospitals have English-speaking staff. Consult with your doctor at home and your insurance company, as well as friends and colleagues, in order to determine which facility best serves your family’s needs. Each expatriate community has its own services available locally. The range of these services is generally proportionate to the size of the community.

In the Event of a Medical Emergency…

If it’s safe to move the injured or sick person, it’s usually best to find the fastest way to the hospital on your own, by private car or taxi. For this reason, carry a card with the name and address of your hospital of choice in both English and Chinese. Ambulance times are slow because gridlocked Beijing traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Note that you will be taken to the nearest hospital, not to the hospital of your choice. To call an ambulance, dial 120 or 999 on any phone. Don’t count on the operator speaking English. It’s advisable to learn a few key phrases, particularly your own address and the name of your hospital. Another option is to call International SOS, which maintains a team of Western and Western-trained doctors. The US and Australian Consulates also have nurses on staff, and they can assist in suggesting an appropriate course of action. International SOS and Beijing United Family Hospital have the best emergency services for expats. Register with one or both of these hospitals before an emergency to save precious moments in the event you need to call either of these phone numbers. If you call their emergency numbers, they will liaise with an ambulance for you if need be. International SOS is a member-based service, but they will assist you in an emergency.

Pharmacies

Visiting a Chinese pharmacy can be a frustrating experience. Most of the brands you are familiar with will not be available, and few products are labelled in English. The pharmacist is unlikely to speak good English and may even try to pressure you to buy drugs you have never heard of. Items such as cold medications, allergy medications and Pepto-Bismol are hard to find. However, if you know the medicine’s chemical name, they may be able to help find a close equivalent. Chinese pharmacists may suggest Chinese medicine for your ailment. This is certainly worth a try and will not hurt you, particularly if the medication is herbal. If you need an antibiotic or anything more serious, you will have to visit a clinic or hospital pharmacy. At these, always ask if there is a generic version of your medication – hospitals tend to push more expensive brand medication. At least during your first few months in Beijing, it’s best to stick with the pharmacy associated with your preferred clinic or hospital.

Health Preparations

Ensure that all preexisting medical or dental problems are attended to prior to arrival. Bring copies of medical and immunisation records. If taking routine medication, bring an adequate supply, as many Western medications are not available locally. If applicable, bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and a copy of the prescription. Similarly, prescription medication you need should be brought with you, as not all medication can be found in Shanghai. The law requires import certificates to accompany any medication that you send into the country (via a shipment, for example), although local health professionals say that it is rare for a customs officer to ask for them. Medication that you carry with you does not fall into this category, but you should carry a copy of the prescription to be safe.

Study health insurance plans carefully. Ensure that the insurance covers overseas travel. Medicare, for example, does not cover health costs for US citizens who are travelling or living outside the US. It’s important to know who will pay the expenses if an emergency medical evacuation from China becomes necessary. It is not uncommon for an emergency medical evacuation to Europe or the United States to cost a private citizen as much as USD40,000-80,000 if a special plane has to be used.

All visitors should get all recommended immunisations prior to coming to Beijing. There is a very limited supply of imported vaccines available at the health care facilities that cater to expatriates, and availability is inconsistent. Before travel, contact a family doctor or one of the travel medicine centres to be found in most major cities and inquire about the needed vaccines. Do this at least four weeks prior to travel so that the vaccinations have time to take effect.

Private versus public care

The public health care system isn’t free, but costs are kept low and it effectively serves enormous numbers of people. There are public hospitals all over the city, but they can be intimidating. They are usually very large, noisy, chaotic and crowded. However, many expats leave fully satisfied with the care they receive and even more satisfied with the prices, which start as low as RMB8 for basic services and RMB50-250 for expedited or English-speaking VIP services. If you have a minor problem, such as a stomach ailment or sprained ankle, public doctors can provide you with quality care at a fraction of the private clinic price. If your Chinese is substandard, bring a translator and the experience will be a lot less stressful. On the next page are a couple of public hospitals frequently used by expats.

If you have good insurance that covers care at international facilities, these are normally your best option, particularly for serious medical problems. It’s comforting to be in a familiar setting if you must undergo a medical procedure or get tested for an unknown ailment. Private facilities are smaller and more comfortable, and offer faster, friendlier service. Comprehensive providers like Beijing United Family and International SOS offer 24-hour emergency service and always have English-speakers on hand. But the prices are much higher and could lead to higher insurance premiums. If possible, call first to check if the hospital or clinic you plan to visit accepts your insurance.

Health Certificate

In order to get a Residence Permit, all foreigners must apply for a Health Certificate at a government-appointed Health Check Centre.  The physical examination includes a general check-up, blood pressure and pulse reading, height and weight measurements, ICG, chest X-ray and AIDS and syphilis tests. It usually takes seven working days to process the Health Certificate.

The required documents are:
1)    Your passport and four recent passport photos
2)    Health Certificate Application Form
3)    Copy of your employer’s Business Registration Certificate