How It Works
China's hospital classification system divides hospitals into three primary tiers, each with three sub-levels (A, B, C), creating nine possible grades. The system is administered by the National Health Commission and evaluates hospitals on size, capabilities, technology, management, and patient outcomes.
The highest grade is Grade 3A (三级甲等, commonly written as "三甲"). Only about 1,700 hospitals in China (less than 5% of all hospitals) hold this designation.
The Three Tiers
Community Health
Primary healthcare, preventive medicine, vaccinations. Not relevant for international patients.
Regional Medical
General medical services for a district. Common surgeries, emergency care, specialty clinics.
National/Provincial
Advanced medical care, teaching, research, specialist referrals. Complex surgeries, cutting-edge treatments (CAR-T, transplants, robotic surgery). This is where international patients should receive treatment.
Grade 3A Evaluation Criteria
To earn Grade 3A, a hospital must score above 900 out of 1,000 points across these categories:
| Category | Weight | What's Evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Safety & Quality | 30% | Mortality rates, infection rates, clinical protocol compliance |
| Medical Technology | 20% | Equipment, surgical capabilities, research output |
| Hospital Management | 20% | Financial health, HR policies, IT infrastructure |
| Hospital Function | 15% | Service scope, public health contribution |
| Service Satisfaction | 15% | Patient surveys, complaint resolution, waiting times |
Grade 3A at a Glance
~1,700
3A hospitals in China
<5%
of all Chinese hospitals
~50%
of complex cases nationally
2,000+
average beds per hospital
Why This Matters for International Patients
- ✅ Grade 3A guarantees minimum quality — advanced equipment, experienced specialists, quality management systems
- ✅ JCI accreditation adds international validation — learn more about JCI
- ✅ International departments are standard — most Grade 3A hospitals in major cities have English-speaking staff
- ✅ Research and innovation — 3A hospitals lead clinical trials and new treatments