Public health is considered a fundamental pillar of any society’s overall development and public welfare. Modern medical facilities, a strong primary healthcare system, and effective public health strategies play a crucial role in improving the quality of life in any country. In recent years, China has witnessed significant reforms and expansion in its healthcare sector, aimed at providing more accessible and high-quality medical services to its population.
Over the past five years, China has taken multiple steps to strengthen its healthcare system. During this period, the role of primary-level medical institutions has been significantly enhanced. By 2025, 52.6% of all medical consultations and treatments in the country were carried out at primary healthcare centers, indicating the growing importance of local-level health services in the public health system.
Access to healthcare services has also improved considerably. Currently, more than 90% of urban and rural households can reach a nearby medical facility within 15 minutes. To achieve this, the network of medical institutions has been further expanded across the country.
According to available data, China now has around 1.1 million medical institutions, employing over 16 million healthcare workers. This includes more than 5.29 million physicians and over 6 million registered nurses, all serving the country’s vast population.
Measures have also been taken to support families and childcare. More than 33 million families with children under the age of three have received financial assistance for childcare. Under this policy, each eligible child born after January 1, 2022, is entitled to an annual subsidy of 3,600 yuan for three years, totaling 10,800 yuan. Additionally, the number and quality of childcare facilities have been improved.
As a result of these efforts, overall public health indicators have shown improvement. In 2025, the average life expectancy in China reached 79.25 years, which is 1.32 years higher than in 2020. This reflects an average annual increase of 0.26 years in life expectancy.
Looking ahead, achieving the goal of “Healthy China 2035” is considered a key objective. The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) is being regarded as a critical phase in this journey. During this period, several major initiatives will be launched to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand rehabilitation services.
To make primary healthcare services more effective nationwide, special attention will be given to fields such as pediatrics, mental health, general medicine, rehabilitation, and nursing, ensuring better fulfillment of the growing healthcare needs of the population.
At the same time, greater use of modern technology in the healthcare sector is being promoted. Mobile healthcare services, telemedicine, and internet-based medical consultations are being encouraged to make healthcare more equitable and accessible.
As part of ongoing healthcare reforms, approximately 1,000 integrated medical and health alliances will be established at the county level over the next five years. These alliances aim to strengthen coordination among different medical institutions and improve continuity of patient care. Similarly, referral and consultation centers will be developed in urban areas to enhance treatment efficiency.
Public health protection is also being prioritized. Efforts are being made to strengthen disease surveillance, early warning systems, risk assessment, medical treatment, and rapid response capabilities to effectively prevent and control epidemics. Emergency medical response systems are also being improved to ensure timely assistance during natural disasters and other emergencies.
China is also promoting international cooperation in the health sector. Technical and human resource support is being provided to developing countries, particularly partners of the Belt and Road Initiative, to enhance their healthcare capacities. In addition, efforts are being made to promote traditional Chinese medicine globally and encourage knowledge exchange between different traditional medical systems.
The progress made in China’s healthcare system in recent years reflects its commitment to public welfare as a key component of national development. The expansion of primary healthcare services, the integration of modern technology, and continuous reforms are laying the foundation for a more efficient and comprehensive healthcare system in the future. If this momentum continues, significant progress can be expected toward achieving the goal of “Healthy China 2035.”
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