Beijing ranks the healthiest city in China: EIU

Beijing often makes headlines for its hazy skies due to pollution. But the city's reputation is getting a lift from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) which has named it the healthiest city in China.

Beijing--infamous for its smoggy air. Residents will not believe us when we tell them they are living in China's healthiest area.

But singing a different tune is the Economist Intelligence Unit……. A recent report puts the capital at the top spot for China's healthiest.

"At current health status, Beijing is not even at the top five, but for all the other three ones, including awareness, including finance and resources, Beijing tops among all the 31 provinces,"said Liu Qian, deputy director of China Service, Economist Intelligence Unit.

The conclusion is based on a set of practices.Beijing residents undergo regular medical checkups more often.

On average, out of pocket healthcare expenses in China are at nearly 35 percent and Beijingers are on the hook for 25 percent. That's significantly lower than their neighbors in Hebei province who have to shell out 42 percent. Despite that, Beijingers still have reasons to grumble. ‍

These complaints are mostly targeted against large public hospitals. So in a bid to better meet demands, the Chinese government is allowing more private and foreign healthcare providers to the market. China overtook Japan as the world's second-largest healthcare market last year. And according to the Economist Intelligence Unit this means more opportunities for healthcare players to come in and provide different types of services.

"There isn't a single magical formula to all private players out there. The thing is, the healthcare market in China is growing very fast...the more meet to high-end ones, that would create better opportunities to play around with."Liu said.