A nationwide survey indicates growing confidence among Chinese doctors in the use of AI-powered health services for routine care. Research conducted by Life Times, a prominent public health media outlet in China, found that more than 70 percent of physicians from top-tier hospitals would recommend AI doctor services to patients for everyday health questions and basic health management.

The survey covered 500 doctors working in tertiary hospitals and highlights a shift in how frontline clinicians view the role of artificial intelligence in patient engagement, particularly for non-urgent and repetitive inquiries.

Ant Group’s AQ Emerges as the Preferred Platform

Among the AI services cited, Ant Group’s AI-native health app AQ was the most frequently recommended by respondents. As of January 2026, AQ reports around 30 million monthly active users and processes more than 10 million health-related questions each day, positioning it as the largest AI-first health application in China.

Known in Chinese as Ant A-Fu, AQ was launched in mid-2025 with a focus on addressing common health concerns and encouraging healthier daily habits. The app is designed to support users before a hospital visit becomes necessary, helping bridge the gap between self-care and formal medical treatment.

How AQ Integrates AI and Clinical Expertise

AQ connects users to digital services from approximately 5,000 hospitals and enables online consultations with around 300,000 licensed doctors nationwide. A central feature of the platform is its network of more than 500 AI Doctor Agents, developed in collaboration with leading physicians and hospital departments across China.

These AI agents are trained on the clinical experience and treatment approaches of individual doctors. While they do not provide formal diagnoses or replace licensed medical professionals, they are used to answer routine questions, explain conditions, and offer general health guidance. In 2025 alone, AI Doctor Agents on AQ responded to more than 27 million user inquiries.

One cited example is Mao Hongjing, deputy director of Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital and a nationally recognised sleep specialist. Traditionally able to see about 10,000 patients per year in person, Mao’s AI Doctor Agent handled questions from more than 3.6 million users within a single year, illustrating how AI can extend specialist knowledge far beyond physical clinic limits.

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Reducing Pressure on Doctors and Patients Alike

Doctors participating in the survey said AI doctor services are particularly valuable for managing high volumes of patient questions without being constrained by time or location. Respondents noted that AI systems can draw on extensive medical knowledge, respond consistently and patiently, and help ease patient anxiety, especially around common or recurring concerns.

Beyond patient use, adoption among clinicians themselves is already significant. More than 60 percent of surveyed doctors said they currently use AI doctor services to support their work, and over 90 percent expressed optimism about the long-term development of AI in healthcare.

Demographic Pressures Driving AI Adoption

The growing role of AI in China’s healthcare system is unfolding alongside major demographic changes. Official statistics show that by the end of 2024, China had around 310 million people aged 60 or above, representing roughly 22 percent of the population. Projections suggest this figure could approach 28 percent by 2040, intensifying demand for healthcare services.

Market forecasts reflect this trend. According to industry estimates, China’s AI healthcare market is expected to expand from about USD 1.6 billion in 2023 to nearly USD 19 billion by 2030, as hospitals and technology companies collaborate to improve efficiency and access to care.

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A Complement, Not a Replacement

While enthusiasm for AI doctor services is growing, both developers and clinicians emphasise that these tools are intended to complement, not replace, traditional medical care. Platforms like AQ are increasingly seen as a way to triage routine needs, support healthy behaviours, and allow doctors to focus more time on complex and critical cases.

As China’s healthcare system adapts to aging demographics and rising demand, the survey suggests that AI-enabled health assistants are becoming an accepted and trusted part of everyday care delivery.

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