On June 6, the news of a gynecology specialist at a hospital in Shanghai charging a registration fee of 5000 yuan has sparked attention. The local health commission responded that the case has been filed. Many netizens questioned, “Is the sky-high registration fee not just squeezing the common people dry?” and “One month’s salary isn’t even enough to register once.”
Recently, a citizen of Shanghai revealed that the special clinic for gynecology at the Qingpu branch of Fudan University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital charges a registration fee of 5000 yuan. The hospital’s official website indicates that it is the first specialized obstetrics and gynecology hospital in China.
A check of the official registration system at the Qingpu branch revealed that starting from June 5, the gynecology specialist Liu Xishi has a special clinic registration fee of 5000 yuan, specializing in treating difficult gynecological conditions such as cervical cancer and uterine fibroids with adenomyosis.
However, the same specialist also offers expert clinic registration for 50 yuan at other branches.
A review of the appointment system shows that at the Huangpu branch, Liu Xishi’s expert clinic registration for 50 yuan is in high demand, with no available slots by the end of June; while the 480 yuan special clinic registrations still have availability from June 15 onwards.
In contrast, the availability of slots at the Qingpu branch is relatively abundant: the latest 1000 yuan special clinic slot on June 10 can still be reserved, and the 5000 yuan special clinic slot, aside from being full on June 18, still has vacancies on dates like June 10 and 23.
Following the exposure of the incident, the staff at the gynecology department of the Qingpu branch responded that the specialist has set up two types of slots in the area: one for 1000 yuan (special class C) and the other for 5000 yuan (special class D), which are the highest prices currently in place in the gynecology department of the branch.
The 5000 yuan slot is mainly targeted at patients who have undergone assessments and have been confirmed for surgery by the specialist, belonging to a specialized category and not intended for initial consultations. New patients can opt for the 1000 yuan slot for routine consultations first, and if surgery is required later on, the doctor will recommend whether to switch to the 5000 yuan special clinic slot based on the actual situation.
Regarding the procedures for consultations, patients requiring tests like TCT and MRI with longer wait times need to pay 1000 yuan for a follow-up consultation after receiving the reports.
As for the public concern about medical insurance reimbursement policies, another staff member at the Qingpu branch mentioned that the 5000 yuan registration fee is not eligible for medical insurance coverage and must be paid out of pocket; whereas the 1000 yuan registration fee falls under the scope of medical insurance settlements. The registration fees for special clinics with other specialists in the hospital range mostly between 280 yuan and 480 yuan.
The Health Commission of Qingpu District also responded, stating that the pricing has been duly filed and is mainly targeted at specific groups such as foreigners seeking medical treatment.
It is understood that the Qingpu branch involved in this incident was officially launched in September 2023, with financial investments from the district government and comprehensive management by the main hospital.
In response to this, mainland netizens have criticized vigorously: “The hospital’s 5000 registration fee is outrageous.”
“Such a sky-high registration fee, isn’t it just squeezing the blood out of the common people?”
“A 5000 registration fee, it’s outrageous, not even a month’s salary is enough for one registration.”
“This registration fee is excessive! It seems like the hospital is arbitrarily increasing prices, and some doctors are raising registration fees solely based on their reputations, which goes against the principle of public service!”
“The doctor’s job is to heal and save lives, so all registration fees should be abolished. Serve the people.”
“Nowadays, domestic hospitals are like ferocious beasts that prey on people without mercy!”
“The so-called best hospital rankings in the country are given by the authorities, not necessarily based on the best service and medical care. The so-called first-class hospitals are the ones that ruthlessly exploit and extract money from patients the most.”
“This trend must not be allowed to continue! Registration is not treatment; surgery fees should be charged according to the actual costs, and registration fees, regardless of the target group, must be regulated and inclusive!”
“For a gynecological condition, the specialist’s registration fee is 5000 yuan, which has been approved by the Shanghai Health Commission, meaning it’s a government-approved fee. This is like a knife that kills without shedding blood.”
“A 5000 yuan registration fee for a special clinic, isn’t this just draining the blood of the patients? And it’s approved by the Shanghai Health Commission, impressive.”