Wang Shirui of Medlinker Focuses on Internet Hospitals Anchored to Physical Institutions Following 'Internet + Healthcare' Policy Rollout

On May 30, the “2018 Inaugural Medlink Summit,” hosted by Economic Observer and organized by Medlink, was held in Beijing.

It is understood that the conference focused on the industry-wide changes driven by new policies for “Internet+ Healthcare,” with “Breaking Through · Establishing the New” as its core theme. It primarily explored the development trajectory of China’s Internet+ Healthcare sector under the current circumstances, as well as the true core value of Internet+ Healthcare from a comparative perspective integrating Chinese and Western approaches.

On April 28, 2018, the General Office of the State Council officially released the “Opinions on Promoting the Development of ‘Internet + Healthcare’” (hereinafter referred to as the “Opinions”). The document outlined the development direction for Internet + Healthcare across multiple dimensions. Professionals in the field believe that the door to a new era of growth for Internet + Healthcare has finally opened.

Wen Zhao, Executive Editor-in-Chief of The Economic Observer, stated that the old industrial landscape is continuously being disrupted, while new technologies, mindsets, and business models are constantly creating new possibilities. “Internet Plus” has also brought new opportunities to the general health industry, including Internet Plus doctors, Internet Plus hospitals, Internet Plus healthcare, Internet Plus elderly care, as well as the application of artificial intelligence and big data in the medical sector.

Sources close to the National Health Commission have revealed that, from a regulatory perspective, the development of “Internet + Healthcare” in China and other countries is fundamentally grounded in physical entities. Without a physical entity to consult with patients and address their actual medical needs in a tangible setting, internet-based healthcare cannot exist. Patients require concrete medical services and care; they are not virtual entities.

Li Shifeng, Chairman of CEC Data and CEC Digital Finance, as well as Managing Partner of CEC Health Fund, stated that the “Internet + Medical Health” development guidelines encompass the entire human life cycle, all aspects of daily life, and the full production process, involving the integration of data across pharmaceutical services, disease prevention and control, and health security. CEC Data is also exploring the development of the HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) model.

Wang Shirui, Founder and CEO of Medlinker and Penguin Doctor, stated that over the past four years, Medlinker has continuously adapted to new policies and progressively pursued further innovations. On April 28, with the release of the new “Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Development of ‘Internet Plus Healthcare’,” Medlinker paid particular attention to the policy allowing the formal establishment of internet hospitals affiliated with physical hospitals. Within its internet hospital framework, Medlinker has developed what it considers the world’s most user-friendly electronic prescription system, and is even capable of providing online third-party medication delivery services through its internet hospital platform. These advancements represent significant breakthroughs.

According to Wang Shirui, Medlinker will next venture into fields such as artificial intelligence and novel specialty drugs, all of which represent significant innovations.

Relevant data indicates that Medlinker currently has 450,000 real-name verified physicians and 18,000 contracted physicians on its platform. Medlinker’s industrial chain encompasses a physician platform, medical big data, artificial intelligence, healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, and commercial insurance companies. Across these segments, Medlinker creates value through integration and connectivity.

Wang Shirui stated that Medlinker’s long-term strategic plan is to leverage its core resources as an entry point to connect the entire healthcare industry chain, aiming to empower the chain and enhance its overall efficiency.