Start a Free Chat
Early-Access Medicines Rare Disease Public · Ruijin Branch Lecheng Zone Shanghai Top-Tier Standards

Ruijin Hospital Hainan
Shanghai Top-Tier Standards with Lecheng Early-Access Medicines

Ruijin Hospital Hainan is the Hainan branch of Ruijin Hospital Shanghai — one of China's top-tier academic medical centers. Operating within the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone since 2021, it combines Ruijin's clinical excellence in oncology, haematology, and rare diseases with a regulatory framework that allows overseas-approved drugs and medical devices to be administered 2–3 years before their NMPA approval in mainland China. For the right case — particularly where an overseas-approved treatment isn't yet available elsewhere in China — it may be a suitable option. China Care helps you work out whether it's the right fit for your situation before you travel.

Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Qionghai, Hainan — ~25 min from Boao Airport
Top-Tier
Ruijin Hospital ranking nationally
2–3yr
Pre-NMPA overseas drug access
2021
Year opened in Lecheng Zone
About the Hospital

Shanghai Ruijin, Now Accessible via Hainan

Ruijin Hospital (Ruijin Shanghai) holds a national ranking in the top three Chinese hospitals, with particular strength in haematology, endocrinology, general internal medicine, and complex oncology. Its Hainan branch — Ruijin Hospital Hainan (瑞金医院海南医院) — was established in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in 2021, bringing the same clinical standards to a location that benefits from the zone's unique regulatory policy.

The Lecheng zone was established by the Chinese government to allow overseas-approved drugs and medical devices to be used 2–3 years before they receive NMPA approval in mainland China. This is the key clinical differentiator of Ruijin Hainan: patients can access treatments that are already approved and proven in the US, EU, or Japan but not yet available at any other hospital in China.

Lecheng Zone Policy: Overseas-approved drugs & devices usable 2–3 years before NMPA mainland approval
Ruijin Hospital Hainan — Boao Lecheng zone branch of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital

Hainan island also allows visa-free entry for nationals of 59+ countries, simplifying arrival for international patients compared to the medical visa process required for mainland Chinese hospitals. For cancer treatment in China and complex rare disease care, this combination — world-class clinical standards, early-access medicines, and straightforward entry — makes Ruijin Hainan a compelling access point.

"For patients seeking the standards of a top-tier Chinese academic hospital alongside access to medicines not yet available anywhere else in China, Ruijin Hainan represents a genuinely unique option within the healthcare landscape."
Why Patients Choose Ruijin Hospital Hainan

Three reasons international patients choose Ruijin Hainan

Shanghai Top-Tier Standards in Lecheng

Ruijin Hospital is the parent institution and consistently ranks among China's top three hospitals in haematology, endocrinology, and internal medicine. The Hainan branch operates under Ruijin's clinical protocols, with specialist physicians from the Shanghai main campus involved in complex case management. International patients receive clinical care aligned with the same standards as patients at the main Ruijin campus in Shanghai.

Early-Access Medicines — 2–3 Years Pre-NMPA

Under the Lecheng zone policy, Ruijin Hainan can administer drugs and devices that have received approval from the US FDA, EMA (EU), or Japan's PMDA but have not yet completed NMPA approval in mainland China. For oncology and rare disease patients, this can mean access to newer targeted therapies, immunotherapy combinations, or rare disease treatments that are simply not available at any other Chinese hospital — including the main Ruijin campus in Shanghai. This is the most clinically significant advantage of the Lecheng zone.

Rare Disease Specialisation

Ruijin Shanghai has built decades of expertise in haematological and endocrinological rare diseases. The Hainan branch inherits this diagnostic and management capability in a setting where the drug access policy is particularly relevant for rare conditions — since drugs for rare diseases are among the most likely to be approved internationally years before NMPA mainland listing. For patients with unusual diagnoses requiring specialist input and potentially cutting-edge therapeutics, Ruijin Hainan combines the right expertise with the right access.

Beyond the Hospital

Why Patients Work With China Care

Finding a hospital's name is easy. Knowing whether it's actually the right one for your situation is much harder — that's where China Care helps.

Most international patients researching Ruijin Hainan are unsure whether it's genuinely the right fit for their case, or whether another hospital might serve them better. China Care helps you answer questions like:

  • Is Ruijin Hainan suitable for my diagnosis?
  • Are there better hospitals for my condition?
  • Can my case be reviewed before I travel?
  • Which department should I contact?
  • What documents should I prepare?
  • What happens after I arrive in China?
Discuss Your Situation
Clinical Departments

Specialties Available at Ruijin Hospital Hainan

Ruijin Hainan covers Ruijin Shanghai's core clinical strengths within the Lecheng zone framework. All specialties below can potentially benefit from the early-access drug policy.

Primary Focus
Oncology — Advanced & Refractory
Complex and refractory solid tumour oncology where access to newer targeted agents or immunotherapy combinations not yet on the NMPA list is clinically relevant. Particularly suited to patients who have exhausted standard-of-care options at home and are seeking treatments available in the US or EU.
Pre-NMPA TherapiesRefractory CasesTargeted Therapy
Primary Focus
Haematology
Ruijin Shanghai is nationally recognised for haematology, including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and rare haematological conditions. The Hainan branch provides access to Ruijin's haematology expertise alongside potential early access to newer haematological drugs not yet NMPA-approved.
LymphomaLeukaemiaMyelomaMPN
Also Available
Rare & Complex Diseases
Complex diagnoses including rare autoimmune conditions, rare metabolic diseases, and difficult-to-diagnose systemic disorders. Ruijin's long history as a leading academic hospital has built subspecialty expertise across a broad range of rare conditions where the Lecheng drug access policy can be directly relevant.
AutoimmuneRare MetabolicEarly-Access Drugs
Also Available
Endocrinology
Ruijin Shanghai holds a national top-three ranking in endocrinology. Conditions treated include complex diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal diseases, pituitary conditions, and metabolic syndrome. The Hainan branch maintains this sub-speciality with access to Ruijin Shanghai expertise for complex cases.
DiabetesThyroidAdrenal Disease
Also Available
Gastroenterology
Diagnostic and therapeutic gastroenterology including complex inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease management, and GI cancer follow-up. For patients with complex gastroenterological presentations, Ruijin Hainan provides specialist input in a zone with access to newer biological treatments.
IBDLiver DiseaseGI Endoscopy
Explore your options
Not sure which department fits your case — or whether Lecheng access applies?
Hospital Access reviews your records, checks whether your specific treatment is available under the Lecheng zone policy, and helps confirm whether this hospital — or another one — is a suitable option, before you commit to travelling.
Discuss Your Situation
Step-by-Step

How China Care Helps You Reach Ruijin Hainan — If It's Right for You

Finding a hospital is the easy part. Understanding whether it's the right one for your situation is harder — China Care guides you through that, from initial guidance through to on-the-ground support in the Boao Lecheng zone.

Step 1 · Tell Us What You Need
Tell Us About Your Situation

Share your diagnosis, pathology, imaging, and any previous treatment records. For patients interested in a specific Lecheng-zone early-access treatment, include details of the drug or device you have been advised may be available under the zone scheme. This step is free and helps us understand whether Ruijin Hainan — or another hospital — may be worth exploring for your case. China Care prepares a bilingual case summary within 1–2 working days.

records review · 1–2 days
Step 2 · Hospital Access
Understand Whether Ruijin Hainan Is Appropriate

If it makes sense to go further, Hospital Access looks into whether Ruijin Hainan is genuinely a suitable option for your case — before you commit to travelling. Depending on your situation, this may include medical record review, department identification, specialist discussion, and a proxy consultation with the relevant specialist where appropriate — China Care attends Ruijin Hainan in person on your behalf, and for cases involving early-access medicines under the Lecheng zone policy, the doctor will confirm eligibility at this stage. The outcome is reported back to you. This is a fixed-fee service, agreed with you upfront.

Already in China or already in Hainan? Skip this step — China Care can arrange direct escort and interpretation for your own visit instead.

Hospital Access · fixed fee · Lecheng drug eligibility confirmed
Step 3 · Travel & Entry
Travel to Hainan — Visa-Free for 59+ Countries

International patients from over 59 nationalities can enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days. This is a significant practical advantage compared to mainland Chinese hospital access, which requires a formal medical visa. China Care advises you on the applicable entry rules based on your nationality. Fly into Boao Airport or Haikou Meilan International Airport.

visa-free 59+ nationalities · 30-day entry
Step 4 · Medical Journey
In-Person Consultation & Treatment at Ruijin Hainan

Your in-person specialist consultation confirms the treatment plan. Treatment is then delivered according to the agreed schedule. All treatment fees are paid directly to the hospital in RMB. Lecheng-zone pricing applies. A deposit is typically required on admission.

in-person consultation · RMB direct to hospital
Step 5 · Medical Journey
Treatment Completion & Follow-Up

End-of-treatment review, bilingual discharge documentation, and a structured follow-up plan. China Care ensures all records are prepared in a format compatible with your home clinician's requirements, including documentation of any Lecheng zone drugs administered.

bilingual discharge · post-treatment support
Lecheng zone early-access medicines Visa-free entry 59+ countries Hospital Access (fixed fee) Shanghai Ruijin clinical standards RMB payment direct to hospital Bilingual coordination Bilingual discharge documentation
Before You Travel

What international patients need to know

Payment
RMB — directly to hospital
Lecheng zone pricing. Deposit on admission. China Care does not collect medical payments. Treatment costs quoted directly by the hospital.
Entry visa
Visa-free for 59+ nationalities
Hainan island visa-free policy, up to 30 days. Significantly simpler than the medical visa required for mainland Chinese hospitals.
Advance booking
1–2 weeks minimum
All appointments arranged through China Care before travel.
From airport
~25 min from Boao Airport
Also accessible from Haikou Meilan International Airport (~90 min). Resort accommodation available near the Lecheng zone.
Language
Mandarin + bilingual coordination
Clinical staff operate in Mandarin. China Care provides bilingual coordination throughout your treatment.
Lecheng zone policy
Overseas-approved drugs — 2–3 yr pre-NMPA
China Care confirms availability of specific treatments under the zone policy at the Hospital Access stage before you commit to travel.
Your Next Step

How China Care Can Help

Whichever stage you're at, China Care's role is the same: help you make an informed decision, not just a booking.

Common Questions

What patients ask about Ruijin Hospital Hainan

What does the Lecheng zone "early-access" drug policy actually mean for patients?
The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone operates under a government policy that allows hospitals within the zone to use drugs and medical devices that have received regulatory approval in the US, EU, or Japan but have not yet completed NMPA approval in mainland China. In practice, this means treatments that are standard of care in the West but may not be available at any other Chinese hospital — including main academic centers like the Ruijin Shanghai campus — can be administered at Ruijin Hainan. China Care confirms availability of specific treatments at the Hospital Access stage before you commit to travel.
How does Ruijin Hospital Hainan compare to the main Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai?
Ruijin Hainan was established in 2021 and operates as a branch under Ruijin Shanghai's institutional oversight. Clinical protocols and specialist involvement follow the parent hospital's standards. The main campus in Shanghai has greater breadth of volume and depth of subspecialty teams across all clinical areas. However, for the specific advantage of early-access medicines under the Lecheng zone policy — as well as the visa-free entry benefit — the Hainan branch actually offers capabilities that the main Shanghai campus cannot. For complex oncology and rare disease cases where newer therapeutics are a specific consideration, Ruijin Hainan can be the more appropriate access point.
Do I need a medical visa to access Ruijin Hospital Hainan?
No. Hainan island has a visa-free policy for nationals of over 59 countries for stays of up to 30 days. This is a major practical advantage compared to mainland China hospitals, which require international patients to obtain a formal medical visa before travel. China Care confirms the applicable entry rules for your nationality when your case is submitted.
What diseases and conditions is Ruijin Hainan best suited for treating?
Ruijin Hainan is best suited for: haematological malignancies (lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloma) where newer targeted agents or antibody-drug conjugates may be available under the Lecheng policy; advanced solid tumour oncology where patients have been advised that a specific drug approved in the US or EU is their best next option; rare diseases (haematological, endocrinological, metabolic) where treatments approved internationally are not yet NMPA-listed; and endocrinological or gastroenterological conditions requiring specialist Ruijin expertise with potential access to newer biologics.
What does treatment cost at Ruijin Hospital Hainan?
Treatment costs are quoted directly by Ruijin Hospital Hainan and paid in RMB directly to the hospital. For cases involving early-access overseas-approved drugs, costs may reflect the international pricing of those agents. China Care provides a full cost estimate before you confirm travel, and we never add to or mark up the hospital's quoted treatment cost.
Can Ruijin Hainan handle CAR-T cell therapy?
CAR-T cell therapy requires specific manufacturing infrastructure, specialised inpatient facilities, and high-volume experience managing complex toxicities. The primary CAR-T centers in China are high-volume academic hospitals on the mainland — including Ruijin Shanghai and Tongji Wuhan. If CAR-T is your specific treatment need, China Care would normally recommend one of these dedicated mainland centers. If you are interested in access to a specific CAR-T product approved internationally but not yet NMPA-listed, we would assess the Lecheng policy applicability as part of your case review.
Still Deciding?

Not every hospital is the right fit for every patient

We'll help you understand whether Ruijin Hainan — or another hospital in China — may be a better option for your situation.

Treatment costs are quoted directly by Ruijin Hospital Hainan. We never add to or mark up the hospital's quoted treatment cost. Visa-free entry to Hainan for nationals of 59+ countries.

You focus on your health. We'll handle everything else. Discuss Your Situation

Hospital profile note: This profile is general reference information. China Care does not endorse or guarantee a particular hospital, treatment, appointment, clinical decision, or outcome. Current services, requirements, language support, availability, and clinical suitability should be confirmed directly with the hospital.