Guangdong launches its first digital medical tourism platform at Canton Fair

Guangdong province launched its first digital medical tourism platform at the 140th Canton Fair on Thursday, as international medical services made their debut at the trade event with the opening of a dedicated medical service zone.

GZ Medigo, rolled out by the Guangzhou International Medical Tourism Service Center, allows foreign nationals to browse Guangzhou medical facilities, register for services, book appointments, and complete multi-currency payments through a mobile app. The platform bundles medical navigation, multilingual interpretation, attendant support, lodging, transfer, wellness, and insurance claims into integrated packages, with real-time treatment updates and cross-border online payment support.

Luo Qian, deputy general manager of the center, said the platform consolidated medical services, cross-border insurance, cultural experiences, and hospitality into a single end-to-end offering for international patients.

The Canton Fair's inaugural international medical service zone marks the first time medical services have been showcased at the event, said Meng Hao, deputy secretary-general of the Guangzhou municipal government, at Thursday's opening ceremony.

Meng said the city would continue promoting its high-quality medical resources, align with the demands of the international medical market, and explore the innovative model of cross-border medical services combined with wellness tourism.

The zone represents Guangzhou's first global showcase of China's international medical service industry, and an initiative to develop the city into an international medical hub, she added.