Lack of trained managers and application of technical skills are the main obstacles hindering progress in China's increasingly burdened rehabilitation and nursing sector, says Nils Persson, managing director of Swedish Healthcare, a training provider and consultancy.

Persson believes that these issues are mainly because of a reluctance to see the benefits of investing in training and knowledge and recognizing that technical know-how rather than just equipment are of value to organizations.

"There is a great belief in hardware and not such a great belief in software but I think this will change, " says Persson, adding that his organization would look to be at the forefront of change.