Health Certificates in China
The Public Security Bureau requires health certificates for foreign nationals seeking residency in China. If you're teaching in China, this is you. To obtain a health certificate, you need to have a complete physical examination which shows you are in good health and free of any communicable diseases (including an HIV test, Hepatitis B and Syphilis test and sometimes a chest x-ray and ECG). These tests will be done IN CHINA.
Health Examination forms are used by local Chinese Public Security Bureaus to issue residency permits for foreign nationals living within their jurisdiction. You must have this residency permit to remain in China as an employed teacher. After you arrive at your place of employment you will be requested to submit your passport and your health form to someone at the school where you are employed. This person will take the health form to the local health office, who will enter the form for submission to the local Public Security Bureau.
Once approved, the health form and the passport are forwarded to the local Public Security Bureau, which then issues the applicant a residency permit. The health examination form remains on file with the local Chinese Public Security Bureau. Passports are returned to you with your residency permit. This procedure should be started immediately after arrival, and in any case, needs to be carried out within the first month of your stay to comply with visa requirements.
Your concerns about the Health Examination in China
The Chinese hospitals and clinics designated to provide health examination services for foreign teachers are meant to be wholly qualified and equipped to conduct all aspects of the "health examination" with a level of safety commensurate with that provided in hospitals and clinics in your home country.
X-Ray machines may be older, and more frequently used, than similar equipment at home, but they are adequately maintained, and operated by trained professionals.
All Chinese hospitals and clinics are mandated to use single-use, disposable needles. If you have any issue with this you are most welcome to bring in your own needles. Pack several into your first aid kit that you bring along with you and bring it to the examination with you.
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