New online medical helpdesk for expats in Nanjing

Expats heading to the Chinese city of Nanjing now have a WeChat healthcare page posted by English speaking Nanjing doctors.

One of the worst nightmares of living overseas without fluency in the local language is navigating medical treatment at a foreign hospital. The very welcome news for expats living and working in Nanjing is that they’re no longer alone due to a new WeChat question and answer page manned by English speaking Chinese doctors. Services range from general enquiries to assistance in finding a suitable hospital and what to do once you get there.

Its creator Dr Leon, a Nanjing resident for the past 10 years, understands the problems hospitalisation and even out-patient treatment can cause for those without Mandarin. Speaking with local English language media, the good doctor said the web page was the result of a friend’s horrific experience in a Chinese hospital. His friend had no idea how to proceed or even make an appointment, let alone find out what treatment he’d had or how to pay the bill. As a result, simple usage of the WeChat page begins with sending a message detailing symptoms. The English language reply will suggest a suitable medical facility and advise on making an appointment, or staff can make it on your behalf, leaving you to just turn up at the appointed time.

According to one local expat who can’t speak Mandarin and is living alone, the service is a great help. Once he’d given his symptoms, the WeChat staff contacted a hospital doctor, and a nurse was waiting for him when he arrived at the recommended medical facility. Help with translation was provided, as was an explanation of follow-up treatment. At present, the service is non-profit making, although fees are charged for accompanied hospital visits including translations. Dr Leon’s ultimate aim is a locally-managed clinic specifically for expats, as there’s no such service in the city as yet.