Shanghai – Wang Yifan, a new mother in Shanghai, found herself turning to an unlikely source for guidance during her pregnancy: an AI clone of a renowned obstetrician. This isn’t a futuristic fantasy, but a growing reality in China, where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare, aiming to address a strained system and expand access to medical expertise. The digital doctor, a feature of the healthcare app AQ, backed by tech giant Ant Group, represents a significant step in China’s ambitious push to modernize its healthcare infrastructure.
The rise of AI in Chinese healthcare isn’t simply about convenience; it’s a response to systemic challenges. Long wait times for appointments – often requiring patients to spend an entire morning for a brief consultation – and a shortage of medical professionals, particularly in rural areas, have fueled the demand for innovative solutions. Apps like AQ, now boasting over 100 million users, are attempting to bridge this gap by offering readily available medical advice and support through AI-powered “digital doubles” of experienced doctors. This trend in AI-native healthcare apps is accelerating across the country.
A Digital Doppelganger for a Demanding System
Dr. Duan Tao, the Shanghai-based obstetrician whose AI avatar assists Wang Yifan and countless others, initially harbored reservations about creating a digital version of himself. “At the beginning, I did have concerns,” he admitted, valuing his professional reputation. Yet, he ultimately embraced the technology, believing it could significantly improve patient care. To train the AI, Duan provided a wealth of data, including textbooks, clinical case studies, and content from his widely followed social media platforms – boasting over 10 million followers – to replicate his tone and approach. The result is an AI capable of answering a wide range of patient questions, though it is explicitly programmed not to prescribe medication and is presented by Ant Group as a supplement, not a replacement, for traditional medical treatment.
Within just six months of launch, Duan’s AI bot had already served 160,000 patients. For Wang Yifan, the digital Duan proved invaluable, offering a neutral sounding board during disagreements with her husband, even on seemingly minor issues like dietary choices during pregnancy. She continues to use the app, consulting with AI-powered pediatricians for advice on her baby’s care, appreciating the convenience and reduced risk of infection compared to hospital visits. “It can reduce the number of questions we demand to ask doctors directly,” she explained.
State Support and a Rapidly Evolving Landscape
The integration of AI into China’s healthcare system is not a grassroots movement, but a state-backed initiative. Beijing is expected to release its 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining a blueprint for the nation’s economic development until 2030, with technological transformation at its core. An October framework emphasized the need for scientific breakthroughs to be rapidly implemented, specifically mentioning intelligent healthcare solutions. This policy direction is driving significant investment and innovation in the sector.
AQ, also known as Afu in Chinese, currently hosts over 1,000 expert digital doubles, offering a broad spectrum of medical expertise. According to Dr. Duan, the app’s goal is to “democratise access to medical knowledge,” providing quality information to anyone, regardless of location. This is particularly crucial in a country where accessing specialized medical care can be challenging, especially for those living in remote areas.
Beyond AQ: A Broader AI Revolution in Chinese Healthcare
The impact of AI extends beyond AQ. Chatbot DeepSeek is already deployed in hundreds of Chinese hospitals, and Tsinghua University operates a hospital designed to integrate AI into nearly all its processes. Nationwide, over 100 AI medical projects are underway, encompassing a range of applications. CardioMind, a specialized AI model, assists with cardiology diagnoses in Shanghai, while PANDA is being used in rural towns to detect early-stage pancreatic cancer. Robotics firms, like Fourier, are providing rehabilitation centers with devices such as mechanical arms for physiotherapy.
This enthusiasm for AI in healthcare is even reflected in popular culture. This year’s Spring Festival Gala, a nationally televised New Year’s celebration, featured sketches referencing AQ and humanoid robots providing care, signaling a broader societal acceptance of these technologies.
The Importance of Human Oversight
Despite the rapid advancements, experts emphasize the critical need for human oversight. While AI chatbots can perform well in simulated medical exams, their effectiveness in real-world scenarios, with their inherent complexities, is less certain. Dr. Duan cautions that AI “can hallucinate,” meaning it can generate incorrect or misleading information. He stresses that humans must retain ultimate decision-making authority.
Infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong, a prominent figure in China’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has voiced concerns that over-reliance on AI could erode doctors’ diagnostic skills. He argues that without systematic training, doctors may lose their ability to critically evaluate AI-generated conclusions. However, Dr. Duan believes that doctors are inherently cautious and prioritize patient safety, ensuring a measured approach to AI adoption.
The integration of AI into healthcare is not without its challenges. While data privacy concerns are less prominent in China compared to some other countries, the accuracy and reliability of AI algorithms remain paramount. As AI continues to evolve, ongoing monitoring and validation will be essential to ensure patient safety and maintain public trust. Ant Group’s AQ platform is continually being updated with new features, including family health record sharing, to further support chronic disease management and elderly care, powered by its Healthcare Large Model.
Looking ahead, the 15th Five-Year Plan is expected to provide further guidance on the development and implementation of AI in healthcare. The focus will likely remain on expanding access to quality medical care, improving efficiency, and addressing the challenges posed by an aging population. The ongoing evolution of AI-powered tools like AQ promises to reshape the landscape of healthcare in China, offering a glimpse into a future where technology and human expertise work in tandem to improve patient outcomes.
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