Global health innovation and how the UK and China can work together to “prevent, optimise and thrive” was the focus of a panel at the UK-China Business Forum 2025 that explored the shift in healthcare from a focus on curing illness to preventative care and health optimisation
As the NHS embraces social prescribing and China advances the “Healthy China 2030” strategy, the panel examined innovations in preventative care, digital health, and patient-centred approaches, with perspectives from both the private sector and academia.
Elinor Greenhouse, Senior Adviser of Tech and Innovation at CBBC, led the discussion by highlighting the trend towards optimising health rather than simply treating disease. This shift is crucial as populations age and healthcare systems globally face increasing strain.
Sharon Heng, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital, reinforced the idea that preventative healthcare encompasses a broad spectrum, forming an integral part of public health. She underscored the importance of screening in identifying potential health issues before they escalate, ensuring that individuals are more actively involved in managing their own well-being.
Gavin Xiaoming Gao, CEO of Penlon Limited, a medical device company, noted a key difference in how preventative healthcare is approached in the UK and China. He explained that while the UK has a well-established preventive care system, in China, it is still a developing concept but a hot topic of discussion. With an increasing emphasis on early intervention, China is rapidly advancing its preventative healthcare initiatives.
Sarah Nolan, Head of Global Programmes at the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), brought attention to the merging of medicine with nutrition. She highlighted how, in China, food plays a significant role in health, with specific dietary elements known for their precise medical benefits. This intersection between diet and medicine is a critical component of preventative care that is gaining traction globally.
Vladimir Tsaganov, Head of AI Products and Solutions at Alibaba Cloud International, discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming healthcare. He described AI applications such as population health analysis, medical image processing, and telemedicine. AI has significantly enhanced CT scan analysis and medical imaging, making diagnosis and treatment more efficient and accessible.
Heng elaborated on the role of AI in ophthalmology, explaining how it enhances the efficiency of eye scans and check-ups. While the private sector is beginning to integrate AI into healthcare services, she noted that its impact is currently more pronounced in public health systems.
Nolan emphasised the importance of involving consumers in product design, particularly in health-related services. By integrating consumer feedback from the outset, companies can reduce risk and ensure that their innovations align with real-world needs. She pointed out that older adults — those over 60 — hold the majority of global wealth, making their engagement in health innovation crucial. NICA’s sister organisation, VOICE, aids in identifying market gaps and helping businesses develop solutions that meet consumer demands. Initiatives such as the UK-China Accelerator have been instrumental in fostering collaboration and innovation in this field.
Heng provided an example of a successful initiative in China, citing diabetic retinal screening services as a model for effective preventative care. By leveraging digital healthcare solutions, medical providers in China are making substantial progress in service improvement. She highlighted how digital models of healthcare not only reduce costs but also enable providers to see more patients, improving accessibility and efficiency.
Nolan pointed to innovative solutions emerging from the UK-China Accelerator programme, such as exoskeleton technology, which has the potential to revolutionise rehabilitation and mobility assistance. These advancements exemplify the benefits of international collaboration in driving forward healthcare innovation.
Tsaganov also underscored the cost-effectiveness of cloud technology in healthcare, which facilitates seamless collaboration between China and the UK. He noted that AI’s scalability allows it to be applied to broader population health strategies, enabling healthcare advancements to reach a wider audience.
Gao discussed inward-bound investment opportunities, highlighting the complementary strengths of the UK and China. While UK companies excel in research, development, and advanced technology, China offers cost-effective labour and a robust supply chain. Each country brings unique advantages to the table, and fostering collaboration between them presents a win-win scenario.
Tsaganov spoke about the broader potential of international collaboration in healthcare. He stressed the need for a unified international platform to maximise the benefits of AI-driven medical innovation. China’s ability to scale healthcare technology efficiently could provide valuable lessons for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), particularly in expanding access to medical care.
Heng touched on the role of education in promoting health awareness and preventative medicine. She pointed out that AI can also expose inequalities in healthcare access, as those without internet connectivity may face barriers to benefiting from digital health advancements. Addressing these disparities is an ongoing challenge that must be tackled alongside technological progress.
Looking to the future, the panel explored how AI and digital healthcare are set to evolve. Tsaganov predicted that data collection will enable highly personalised care, potentially integrating robotics to assist in patient care. Gao identified mental health as an area requiring urgent attention, particularly in developing tailored AI-driven solutions. Heng suggested that biomarkers could be leveraged to detect and treat illnesses at much earlier stages, significantly improving patient outcomes. Nolan reinforced the importance of personalisation in healthcare, particularly in response to rapidly ageing populations. She advocated for passive AI monitoring and underscored the significance of social connection and activity in promoting long-term health. She cited the growing trend of older adults engaging in gaming and leisure activities in China as an example of how technology can support well-being beyond traditional medical interventions.
The discussion concluded with a consensus on the immense potential for UK-China collaboration in digital healthcare. By leveraging each country’s strengths, fostering innovation, and prioritising preventative care, both nations can pave the way for a healthier future.
