China is emerging as a leading and rapidly evolving market for IoT medical devices, fueled by its large population, increasing rates of chronic illnesses, robust government initiatives in digital health, and a swiftly aging population. By the end of 2025, it is estimated that over 20% of China's population will be aged 60 and above. Projections from the World Health Organization suggest that by 2040, around 402 million individuals, or 28% of the total population, will fall into this age group. This demographic transition, along with the fact that approximately 75% of older adults are affected by non-communicable diseases, significantly heightens the demand for IoT-enabled healthcare solutions.
The Chinese government's Healthy China 2030 initiative and the Internet + Healthcare strategy are actively fostering the growth of digital health. In May 2025, during the Two Sessions, there was a strong emphasis on innovation in medical devices, particularly in AI-driven diagnostic systems and remote monitoring technologies. In 2024, a record number of 65 innovative medical devices received approval, with domestic products making up 71% of this total, showcasing the rapid advancement in local research and development. The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) is expediting the approval process for innovative devices, having updated medical device regulations in May 2025 and released a new list of devices exempt from clinical trials in June 2025.
Remote patient monitoring is a vital area of growth. The increasing use of digital mobile health management systems and wearable technology allows for real-time health data tracking for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. For instance, Tencent Healthcare introduced an advanced remote monitoring device for chronic disease management in April 2023.
Furthermore, smart hospital projects are proliferating throughout China. A prominent example is the AI Hospital in Beijing, which features 14 virtual doctors capable of managing diagnostics, treatment planning, and post-care monitoring for thousands of patients each day. Hospitals are incorporating AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy, with some reporting a 25% decrease in medical errors. There are also initiatives to utilize AI in medical imaging, such as Infervision's InferRead CT Lung, which aids in the early detection of lung cancer. These developments in digital infrastructure and regulatory support reinforce China's status as a global frontrunner in the IoT medical devices sector.
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