A high-end international hospital, part of Shanghai's pilot program to promote medical reform, officially opened on Wednesday.

The Shanghai International Medical Center is located in Pudong district and is managed by Asia's largest medical group, Singapore-based ParkwayHealth.

As part of the city's efforts to explore effective ways to reform healthcare, the hospital will introduce a new model of operations that differs from most public hospitals. For example, physicians at the center are allowed to practice medicine at other hospitals and clinics.

According to the hospital, nearly 100 doctors from the city's eight leading public hospitals have signed agreements with the center to practice medicine at the center at various times of the year.

"The center will play an important role in Shanghai's medical reform, and it will help explore more useful experiences in improving medical service for patients," said Shen Xiaochu, director of Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission.

"Over a two-month trial operation, we have seen good results. Dozens of patients have come to our center seeking treatment through appointments," said Zhang Chengyu, SIMC hospital director, who added that about 70 percent of patients were from areas outside Shanghai.