China's Push for Advanced Imaging Technologies

The swift development of the Chinese economy has brought about a drastic increase in per capita healthcare expenditure. The resulting increase in demand for imaging technology has resulted in a dramatic boost to the installation of advanced equipment in the top hospitals and an expansion of services in community health services in smaller cities and rural areas.

Chinese radiologists are not only challenged by the need to incorporate a huge amount of information to make best use of the new equipment but are also confronted with the competitive environment of the government-induced privatization policy that is giving rise to an increasing number of private hospitals and medical centers.

Since early 2004, the Academy for Advanced Educational Projects (AA Edpro; Suffolk, UK) has been providing a series of seminars and conferences throughout China to stimulate interest in state-of-the-art methodology in ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT).

There is no lack of interest in these meetings where an audience of 300-400 radiologists listen enthusiastically to panels of specialists from internationally recognized institutions not only from the United States and Europe but also from the increasing number of specialized centers within China itself.

At present, educational funding for individual radiologists is comparatively low and self-funded training is difficult on local salaries. Companies with an interest in the development of medical imaging in China are providing educational grants for these meetings, which is critically important and will bring benefits to the radiologists, patients, and the general population in addition to intensifying the competitive position of the sponsors themselves.

The sharing of information and experience across international borders enables Chinese radiologists to make full and efficient use of modern equipment, software, interventional systems, and contrast media, bringing the advantages of new medical imaging technologies to their patients. Armed with accurate information, they are better able to make informed decisions on the installation of imaging systems and protocols that will best suit their practice.

The final series of meetings for 2005 addressing issues in MR angiography (MRA), CTA, and cardiac CT and will take place in Beijing, Nanjing, and Guangzhou during November 2005.





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Academy for Advanced Educational Projects