SHANGHAI, March 4 — Throughout her first pregnancy, Wang Yifan turned to an AI clone of renowned Shanghai obstetrician Duan Tao for medical advice, a practice becoming increasingly common in China as the nation accelerates the integration of artificial intelligence into its healthcare system. Duan Tao’s digital double is featured on the healthcare app AQ, which now boasts over 100 million users.
The rapid adoption of AI in healthcare is part of a state-backed push to modernize China’s overstretched medical system, aiming to improve efficiency and access to care. Apps like AQ, developed by Ant Group, Alibaba’s fintech affiliate, are hosting thousands of expert “digital doubles” offering medical guidance and easing pressure on crowded hospitals.
“Three to five years at most and our entire medical model will be radically transformed,” Duan Tao told AFP. To create his avatar, Duan selected textbooks, clinical case studies, and content from his widely followed social media platforms – boasting over 10 million followers – to replicate his communication style.
While the chatbot cannot prescribe medication, Ant Group emphasizes that AQ is not intended to replace traditional medical treatment. Duan initially expressed concerns about his professional reputation but ultimately embraced the technology, believing it could improve healthcare access. “At the beginning, I did have concerns,” he said. “I value my personal reputation.”
AQ, initially launched as AQ in June 2025 following public testing that began in September 2024, has seen significant growth, reaching 30 million monthly active users by January 2026, with over half of those users residing in smaller cities, according to Ant Group’s chief executive Han Xinyi. As of February 23, 2026, both AQ and Ant Group’s AI Pay had surpassed 100 million users during the Chinese Novel Year, indicating accelerating AI adoption. By February 2026, AQ had reached 140 million users.
The app’s appeal lies in its ability to “democratise access to medical knowledge,” particularly in a country where lengthy wait times and limited access to physicians are common. Duan noted that “waiting all morning for a three-minute appointment” is a frequent experience for patients. His AI bot has already served 160,000 patients within six months of its launch.
Wang Yifan found the AI version of Duan Tao particularly helpful during her pregnancy, mediating disagreements with her husband and providing guidance on various aspects of prenatal care. She continues to utilize AQ for advice on pediatric care, appreciating its convenience and reduced risk of cross-infection compared to hospital visits. “If I take my baby to hospital, I worry about cross-infection,” she told AFP.
China’s healthcare system faces significant challenges due to its large population, vast territory, and aging demographics. The demand for better care, coupled with a shortage of medical professionals, has created a fertile ground for digital health solutions. Companies like JD.com, ByteDance, and Baidu have as well developed online medical consultation tools and AI-powered chatbots.
The government is expected to release its 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining its economic and technological priorities until 2030, with a strong emphasis on technological transformation, including intelligent healthcare solutions. An October 2025 framework called for the rapid practical application of scientific breakthroughs.
Beyond AQ, other AI-powered medical tools are being deployed across China. Chatbot DeepSeek is reportedly used in hundreds of Chinese hospitals, and Tsinghua University operates a hospital designed to integrate AI into nearly all its processes. Nationwide, over 100 AI medical projects are underway.
Specialized AI models, such as CardioMind, are assisting in cardiology diagnoses in Shanghai hospitals, while PANDA is being deployed in remote areas to detect early-stage pancreatic cancer. Robotics companies are also contributing, with firms like Fourier supplying rehab centers with robotic devices.
Despite the enthusiasm, experts caution against over-reliance on AI. Obstetrician Duan Tao emphasized that AI can “hallucinate” and that human judgment remains crucial. Infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong has warned that unchecked reliance on AI could erode doctors’ diagnostic skills. However, Duan also noted that doctors are generally conservative and prioritize patient safety.