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◆ Class III-A · National Top 5%
The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University (Third Bethune)
吉林大学中日联谊医院（吉林大学第三医院/白求恩第三医院）
Founded in 1949, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University (Third Bethune) is a hospital in Changchun, among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide.
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About
The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, also known as the Third Bethune Hospital, is one of the three major affiliated general hospitals of Jilin University in Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province in northeast China. It operates as a large comprehensive teaching hospital under the university's health science center, providing tertiary care across essentially all medical and surgical specialties. The hospital's dual identity — named for both Sino-Japanese medical cooperation and the Bethune tradition of service — reflects its historical roots and its modern role as a provincial-level referral medical center.
History & scale
Founded in 1949, the hospital traces its origins to the post-liberation reorganization of medical services in Changchun. With approximately 3,000 inpatient beds, it is one of the largest hospitals in Jilin Province by bed count. The hospital has undergone major expansion in recent decades, constructing new inpatient towers and specialized diagnostic centers. Its annual outpatient visits run well into the millions, and it handles a high volume of surgical procedures across general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and cardiovascular surgery.
Star specialties
The hospital is known for several clinical strengths. Its orthopedic surgery department is one of the most active in the region, handling trauma, joint replacement, and spinal procedures. The neurosurgery and neurology units serve as referral destinations for complex neurological cases from across Jilin and neighboring Inner Mongolia. Cardiovascular medicine and surgery are well developed, with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery programs managing both acute and elective cases. The hospital also has a strong minimally invasive surgery program across general surgery, urology, and gynecology, and its oncology center provides multi-modal cancer care.
Achievements & recognition
The hospital is a Grade A Class A (三甲) comprehensive hospital and a key teaching affiliate of Jilin University, a national Project 211 and Double First-Class university. It is accredited as a standardized training base for resident physicians across multiple specialties. Several of its departments are designated as provincial key clinical specialties within the Jilin provincial health system.
International services
International patient services at the hospital are modest but functional. The hospital's name reflects historical ties with Japan, and it has maintained some international exchange programs, particularly with Japanese medical institutions. English-speaking staff are concentrated in the senior faculty and some younger physicians; however, routine ward communication is conducted in Chinese. International patients are advised to contact the hospital's medical affairs office in advance to arrange coordination, and those without Chinese language ability may find it helpful to engage a local translator or medical tourism facilitator based in Changchun.
Why choose this hospital
As one of Changchun's largest and best-equipped hospitals, the China-Japan Union Hospital is a practical choice for international patients or long-term foreign residents in northeast China who need comprehensive tertiary care without traveling to Beijing or Shanghai. Its strengths in orthopedics and neurosurgery may be of specific interest to those with trauma or neurological conditions in the region. The hospital's scale means it handles a very broad case mix, which can be reassuring for complex diagnostic situations.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University (Third Bethune) located?
- The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University (Third Bethune) is located in Changchun, China.
- Is The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University (Third Bethune) a reputable hospital?
- The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University (Third Bethune) is a Class III-A hospital — the highest tier in China's grading system, held by only about 5% of hospitals nationwide.
- Can international patients visit The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University (Third Bethune)?
- Yes. International patients are advised to contact the hospital ahead of the visit to confirm appointment procedures and language support (+86-431-84995555).
