On September 17, 2024, Paracelsus Clinic Lustmühle welcomed Sun Yong, Vice-Governor of the Anhui Provincial Government, along with a delegation of politicians from Anhui Province, as well as Cantonal Council member Marco Sütterle and the Mayor of Teufen, Reto Altherr. The meeting, hosted by the clinic’s CEO Nicole Jia, explored potential collaborations aimed at bringing the advanced model of biological medicine—successfully practiced at Paracelsus Clinic Lustmühle for over 65 years—to Anhui Province. This collaboration would offer an opportunity to strengthen the local healthcare system with innovative treatments, giving patients access to pioneering therapy options.
The CEO of Paracelsus Clinic, Nicole Jia, opened the meeting with a warm welcome, highlighting the clinic’s long history and unique philosophy. She pointed out that Biological Medicine holds a comparable position in Switzerland to that of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China. Nicole Jia emphasized the strong support the clinic has received from the government for over 60 years, stating: “This region has long promoted alternative medicine and recognized its value for holistic health and well-being.” She further stressed that Paracelsus Clinic is open to extensive collaborations, underlining the importance of working with both local and international partners to advance the field of integrative medicine.
Mayor Reto Altherr followed with his address, warmly welcoming the delegation from Anhui Province on behalf of the town of Teufen. He paid tribute to the long-standing tradition of natural medicine in the region, stating that natural medicine here is not only alive but thrives as an integral part of the local healthcare system and is even enshrined in law. He highlighted the significant role Paracelsus Clinic plays in blending natural therapies with cutting-edge medical treatments. Mayor Altherr expressed hope for productive collaborations that would strengthen the ties between Teufen, Anhui Province, and Switzerland as a whole.
Sun Yong, Vice-Governor of Anhui Province, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and introduced the cultural and economic profile of the province. He stated: “Anhui is located in the Yangtze River Delta region, the most economically dynamic, open, and innovative area in China. The province has a population of over 61 million people, more than 30,000 medical and healthcare institutions, and annual healthcare expenditures of approximately 200 billion RMB, making it a significant pharmaceutical market.” Mr. Sun expressed great interest in the holistic medical model practiced by Paracelsus Clinic and extended an invitation for the clinic to establish a center in Anhui based on its proven principles. Such an initiative, he noted, would not only provide patients with innovative and integrative treatments but also enhance the local healthcare system. Additionally, Sun voiced his support for a proposal to establish a sister city partnership between Teufen and a city in Anhui, which could foster further collaboration in healthcare, culture, and tourism.
After the meeting, the delegation was invited to an exclusive meal at the Paracelsus Clinic’s restaurant, the Culinarium zum Winkelstein. The special seasonal menu was created by the Michelin-starred chef Martin Benninger from Segreto in Wittenbach, in collaboration with Paracelsus chef Claudio Curcillo. Mr. Curcillo explained that the dishes served at the Paracelsus Culinarium adhere to the clinic’s strict dietary guidelines and include vegan and gluten-free options. During the meal, Mr. Sütterle proposed a toast, expressing his hopes for future collaborations on behalf of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and wished everyone present all the best.
In summary, Paracelsus Clinic Lustmühle looks forward to potential partnerships with Anhui Province, as well as with the city of Teufen and the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden in general. This could not only promote international cooperation in the medical field but also strengthen cultural exchange and economic relations between Switzerland and China.
