Chinese companies' trading volume in the overseas healthcare sector jumped 6 times higher from 2014 to $4.35 billion in the first half of 2017, according to a report released by accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The report found that private enterprises have dominated overseas healthcare merger and acquisitions over the past three years, with total transaction value 21 times higher than the number for State-owned enterprises.

Xing Liping, PwC China Healthcare Consulting partner, said the waves of merger and acquisitions in the domestic market sought out the ideal opportunities, which have gradually left fewer untapped, and consequently valuations have been pushed up in recent years.

"As a result, more investors have shifted their focus overseas in search for better deals. The dynamics of private companies align with the Chinese government's encouragement of more private investment in the medical industry and the promotion of these businesses to play an increasingly important role in the healthcare market," she said.