7 Project Description The aim of the project is to explore the burgeoning landscape of online health services in China, driven by the proliferation of digital technologies, rising consumerism in healthcare, and an increasing burden of chronic diseases. These factors have collectively contributed to an unprecedented growth in online health services globally, with Asian economies leading the charge. This is largely due to a higher consumer acceptance of alternative medicine and a greater willingness to share personal health information in the region. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s online healthcare market was projected to exceed 59 million users by the end of 2020, with expectations to grow over twentyfold by 2026, reaching a market size of approximately US$26 billion. The pandemic has further accelerated this growth, revitalizing momentum in online healthcare services. While the market appears lucrative, uncertainties surrounding market prospects and policy environments persist. Given the high stakes involved, policymakers face the challenge of designing a regulatory framework that balances essential safety and ethical standards with the need for innovation and entrepreneurialism. This project aims to map the market landscape of online health services in China, review current regulatory arrangements, identify potential weaknesses, and provide new insights into the future prospects of this emerging sector. AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Grants Leading Faculty : Alex Jingwei HE Project Title : Thriving Online Health Services in China: Regulatory Challenges and Market Opportunities Funding Agency : Institute for Emerging Market Studies, HKUST Amount Awarded : HK$80,000
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