China's Medical Insurance Bureau Responds to Controversy Over Using Insurance to Buy Huawei Smartwatches
In recent days, a contentious issue has emerged in China, where some individuals have been using their medical insurance to purchase Huawei smartwatches. According to reports, some pharmacies in Shanghai, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Anhui have been selling the Huawei WATCH D2, a product that has been certified as a second-class medical device, allowing it to be purchased using medical insurance. The device has a price tag of 2988 yuan and is marketed as a tool that can measure and record blood pressure, but its functionality extends beyond that of a traditional blood pressure monitor, with features such as making phone calls, using mobile payments, and receiving WeChat messages.
8 February 2025
The National Medical Insurance Bureau has stated that whether a product can be purchased using medical insurance depends on local regulations, and that products that have obtained second-class medical device certification can indeed be reimbursed through medical insurance. However, the Ningbo Medical Insurance Bureau has temporarily halted this practice, citing that the product has many additional features that are not solely for medical purposes. The bureau is currently discussing whether the Huawei WATCH D2 can be used for medical insurance reimbursement.
The controversy surrounding the use of medical insurance to purchase Huawei smartwatches has sparked a heated debate about the rational use of medical insurance funds. Some argue that the smartwatch is a medical device that can monitor blood pressure and other health indicators, making it a legitimate use of medical insurance. Others argue that the smartwatch is a consumer electronic product with many non-medical functions, and its high price tag makes it an unreasonable use of medical insurance funds.
As the Chinese government continues to grapple with the issue, it remains to be seen whether other tech companies will follow suit in marketing their products as medical devices, allowing them to be purchased using medical insurance. The incident highlights the challenges of executing medical insurance policies, particularly when it comes to new technologies and products that blur the lines between medical and non-medical functions. There are concerns about the potential for abuse of medical insurance and the pricing of medical devices, with some pharmacies selling the Huawei WATCH D2 for significantly higher prices than its original price tag.
The National Medical Insurance Bureau has emphasized that the use of medical insurance to purchase products like the Huawei WATCH D2 is subject to local regulations and policies, and that individuals should check with their local medical insurance authorities for specific guidance on this matter. As technology continues to advance and more products with medical functions emerge, it is essential to establish clear guidelines and regulations to ensure that medical insurance is used appropriately and efficiently. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring that medical insurance is used for its intended purposes.
