The Fujian Provincial Public Health Conference, held on Jan 22, released a 2013 goal to attract more investments from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao by utilizing the province's geographical advantages, Chinanews Fuzhou bureau reported.

"We encourage the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone to promote medical cooperation with Taiwan by making good use of Taiwan-related provincial policies," said Chen Qiuli, head of the Fujian Provincial Public Health Department.

Fujian has undertaken various successful medical cooperation projects with Taiwan. Chang Gung Hospital, one example, was co-founded by Xiamen city and Taiwan in 2008 with a total investment of 1.8 billion yuan ($289.44 million).

The hospital now has a patient capacity of more than 2,000, with about 1,200 doctors and nurses. Its medical services cover several cities in the province, including Xiamen, Fuzhou, Putian and Quanzhou.

"Chang Gung Hospital is a forerunner for cross-Straits medical cooperation," said Jiang Jie, vice-director of Xiamen’s municipal public health bureau.

Fujian launched a detailed notice on investment for medical organizations in the province in August 2012. The notice allowed a wider range of social capital to be involved in public health undertakings. It also publicized 15 preferential policies in terms of taxation, electricity and water prices, insurance, and personal training.

The province will provide simplified application and certification procedures for Taiwan doctors seeking short-term jobs in Fujian, according to information from the conference.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai