A Chongqing doctor recently received a thank-you note from a foreign patient praising her exceptional medical services, reflecting how the southwestern municipality's healthcare system is improving and becoming more convenient for foreign patients.

The note, written on Jan 3 by a British patient, was addressed to Doctor Sun Mang at the Dermatology and Cosmetic Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.

"Dr Sun is an exceptionally kind, attentive and highly skilled physician. The hospital should take great pride in having such an outstanding professional on its team," the note said.

Sun said that when she was a doctoral student she was required to read English materials every day.

"I simply carried out my routine daily duties, but all conducted in English," Sun said.

She noted that she treated the patient in a little over 40 minutes.

"The thing that really got me is that when I asked him why he chose China for his surgery while traveling, he just said he totally trusts the place," Sun said.

The note continued: "As a fellow doctor, I can only commend the remarkable standard of care provided in Chongqing, and particularly in this hospital."

The local authorities said Chongqing is dedicated to offering foreign patients high-level diagnostic and treatment technologies, along with compassionate medical care.

Last month, the Chongqing Health Commission launched foreign-related medical service institutions, comprising five hospitals and 17 medical service locations.

Chongqing Second Affiliated Hospital's foreign outpatient visits have averaged over 500 annually over the past three years, the hospital said.

In its pursuit of providing exceptional international healthcare and improving services for foreign patients, the hospital has implemented a series of initiatives. Besides introducing signage in Chinese and English, and launching an English version of its website, a dedicated team offers medical consultations and support to help foreign patients navigate their way through the system.

The hospital has independent treatment areas and multilingual service counters for foreign patients, enhancing accessibility and the quality of care. Noteworthy amenities such as foreign outpatient clinics, specialized examination services and dining options tailored to diverse religious beliefs are also available.

Lei Haichao, director of the National Health Commission, said at a conference in September that China's healthcare system is the world's largest, comprising 12.4 million professional and technical personnel.

Contact the writers at dengrui@chinadaily.com.cn