Video: In China's Crowded Hospitals, She Found a New Career

"This is Jessica Wang. She's 49 and a part patient advocate, part savvy gig worker finding new ways to make a living in China's slowing economy. For around $50, she can go to the hospital with you or consult a doctor on your behalf. She's part of a new industry helping China's aging population cope with the bureaucratic medical system. To get a rare glimpse inside that system, we followed Jessica for a day, starting with her early-morning commute."

"In China, people don't typically see primary care doctors. Whether you need a blood test or need cancer treatment, you go directly to a hospital. China has a three-tier hospital system. The best ones, or the top 10 percent, are concentrated in major cities and can be very crowded. More than 60 percent of all patient visits happen in these elite hospitals. Demand has also increased as China's population has gotten older."

"As China's population grows older, a new industry of gig workers is stepping in to help older patients navigate a complex, bureaucratic hospital system. We spent time with Jessica Wang, a 49-year-old mother from Beijing who found steady income and a renewed sense of purpose by becoming a professional hospital companion. This is a mega hospital in Beijing. A medical maze where one wrong turn could cost you hours."

China's hospitals operate on a three-tier system with the top 10 percent concentrated in major cities, drawing more than 60 percent of patient visits. Patients often bypass primary care and go directly to hospitals for tests and treatments, producing crowded, bureaucratic mega hospitals. An aging population has increased demand. Gig workers offer paid hospital companionship and surrogate services, charging around $50 to accompany patients or consult doctors on their behalf, especially for out-of-town patients. High unemployment has driven many into this emerging profession, which is marketed on social media. Some companions, like Jessica Wang, earn steady income and renewed purpose.

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