GHA Recognizes Excellence in International Medical Travel at SAHZU in China

GHA Honors SAHZU for Excellence in Patient Experience

On November 13, 2026, Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) proudly announced that The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU) in Hangzhou, China, has earned the GHA Certification of Excellence in International Medical Travel Patient Experience, achieving the rank of Distinction. This notable recognition underscores SAHZU's commitment to delivering a seamless, patient-centric experience for individuals seeking medical care across borders, marking it as the first hospital in China to receive this prestigious award.

The award is the result of a dedicated partnership between SAHZU and GHA, which entailed a comprehensive evaluation of the hospital’s patient experience process and identified several areas for improvement. This initiative aligns with SAHZU’s goal of enhancing its services for international patients, thereby elevating the overall medical travel experience.

Founded in 1869, SAHZU is not just a hospital; it is a significant nonprofit medical institution affiliated with a university that has achieved an A++ rating in China’s National Tertiary Hospital Performance Evaluation for seven consecutive years. This accomplishment places the hospital among the top 1% of over 1,500 hospitals assessed throughout the nation. Furthermore, SAHZU ranks 19th globally in research contributions, reflecting its commitment to medical advancement and excellence.

SAHZU caters to patients from more than 100 countries, with over half of its international patient volume being complex or critical cases. The hospital boasts a wide range of specialized capabilities, from advanced diagnostics to cutting-edge treatments in areas such as cardiovascular care, neurosciences, oncology, and more. The hospital also actively participates in clinical trials, making strides in areas like advanced cell therapy and innovative cancer treatments.

The SAHZU Global Health team plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients and their families are supported throughout their medical journey. This includes assistance from initial inquiries to follow-up care after returning home. Patients have reported positive experiences, with many expressing gratitude for the supportive environment and high-quality care they received. "I felt at home here," one patient remarked, while another shared, "I think I might not be alive today if it weren't for this hospital."

The rigorous assessment process conducted by GHA identified key priorities for SAHZU, leading to targeted advisory services focused on enhancing the patient experience throughout the medical travel journey. The hospital demonstrated a strong commitment to ongoing improvement and patient satisfaction, reflecting a broader strategy to provide quality care to international patients.

As noted by GHA’s CEO, Renée-Marie Stephano, this award symbolizes more than just immediate success; it highlights SAHZU's comprehensive efforts in fostering a culture of engagement and continuous reflection on patient care. This recognition serves as a catalyst for ongoing progress in enhancing the international patient experience.

Moreover, Professor JianAn Wang, president of SAHZU, emphasized the impact of the partnership with GHA, asserting that it has been instrumental in refining their practices and communication strategies, fundamentally improving care coordination and patient interaction.

The journey of The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine showcases how a dedicated focus on patient-centered care can lead to exceptional outcomes for international medical travelers. By prioritizing the patient experience, SAHZU continues to set a high standard in the healthcare industry and paves the way for future advancements in medical travel services. This prestigious recognition is both an honor and a motivation for the institution to maintain its dedication to excellence in healthcare.

For more information about SAHZU and its international healthcare services, please visit their official website or contact their global health team directly.