Facing Delays in Australia, Sydney Resident Flies to China for Shoulder Surgery

For more than ten years, Sydney resident Miko Li has called Australia home. But when her doctor told her she needed surgery to remove a benign tumour on her shoulder, she made a surprising decision: she flew back to China for treatment. What drove her choice was the lengthy wait for elective surgery in Australia’s public hospitals — and the steep out-of-pocket costs at private facilities for those without insurance. “I live alone in Sydney and never had surgery in my life, so I thought it was better having the surgery with my family around,” Ms Li said. At 35, she had rarely travelled back

For more than ten years, Sydney resident Miko Li has called Australia home. But when her doctor told her she needed surgery to remove a benign tumour on her shoulder, she made a surprising decision: she flew back to China for treatment. What drove her choice was the lengthy wait for elective surgery in Australia’s public hospitals — and the steep out-of-pocket costs at private facilities for those without insurance. “I live alone in Sydney and never had surgery in my life, so I thought it was better having the surgery with my family around,” Ms Li said. At 35, she had rarely travelled back to China. But this time, her health and peace of mind left her with little hesitation. As soon as she landed in Hangzhou, she headed straight to the hospital. “After some checks with the doctor, they arranged a surgery for me the following week,” she recalled. Just six months after the operation, Ms Li is back in Sydney, grateful for the speed and simplicity of the experience. “It was quick,” she said, comparing it with the drawn-out wait times she was told to expect in Australia. Her story highlights a growing reality for many Australians, especially migrants with strong family ties overseas: when faced with ballooning wait lists and costly private care, some are turning abroad for faster, more affordable medical treatment. Health experts say Ms Li’s experience is not unique. Elective surgery wait times in Australia have reached record highs in recent years, prompting many to question the sustainability of the public health system. Meanwhile, countries like China are increasingly seen as accessible alternatives for medical care, offering faster turnaround times and family support close by. For Ms Li, the choice was personal as much as practical. “Having my family around gave me confidence,” she said. “I don’t regret it at all.