By tf-lawyer.com As we look ahead to the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in 2024, we can’t help but reflect on the significant changes that have taken place in the nation’s healthcare system over the past three-quarters of a century. This milestone serves as a testament to China’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing public health, leading to remarkable advancements in health standards and the establishment of a comprehensive public health framework.
In the immediate aftermath of its founding, China grappled with a dire shortage of medical resources, which resulted in a life expectancy of merely 35 years. Alarmingly high rates of maternal and infant mortality, coupled with widespread diseases, painted a grim picture of the nation’s health. Fast-forward to 2024, and the average life expectancy has climbed to 78.6 years, accompanied by significant declines in maternal and infant mortality rates. These transformations reflect China’s focused efforts to establish a formidable health protection network.
China’s extensive investments in public health have ushered in a new era in healthcare. Over the last 75 years, the medical service landscape has undergone a remarkable evolution—from virtually non-existent to an accessible and increasingly efficient system. The total number of medical resources has skyrocketed, with notable increases in healthcare facilities and hospital beds. By the end of 2023, there were 1.02 million grassroots healthcare institutions, making up an impressive 94.9% of all medical facilities in the country.
At the forefront of disease prevention and health protection, China has persistently deepened its healthcare reforms, ensuring substantial support for the well-being of its citizens. By the end of 2023, enrollment in basic medical insurance had surged past 1.33 billion, establishing a robust medical safety net that effectively alleviates illness-related poverty and paves a unique path for health development.
As we enter a new era, China’s pace of innovation in medical science and technology is quickening. The healthcare system is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, with emerging technologies like telemedicine and remote diagnostics becoming increasingly prevalent, thereby fortifying the foundation of public health. Over the past 75 years, China has accomplished numerous milestones in healthcare—from being the first to isolate the chlamydia pathogen that causes trachoma to performing the world’s first successful limb reattachment surgery and the groundbreaking development of artemisinin. Other significant achievements include advancements in new drug creation, targeted therapies for infectious diseases, and the domestic production of clinical medical equipment such as CT scanners and ECMO machines. The establishment of national medical centers and clinical research institutions signifies a rapid bridging of the gap between China and developed nations, with the healthcare sector consistently reaching new heights.
Beyond its borders, China is dedicated to global health, actively participating in health governance and contributing “Chinese wisdom” and “Chinese strength” toward building a healthier world. Since 1963, nearly 30,000 medical professionals have been dispatched to over 70 countries and regions, treating around 300 million patients. The artemisinin-based combination therapy has been a lifeline for millions suffering from malaria over the last two decades, underscoring China’s expanding international influence in public health.
Through 75 years of shared challenges and resolute progress, China finds itself at a pivotal moment. The country is poised to continue advancing its vision of a Healthy China, aiming to provide enhanced health and welfare to its more than 1.4 billion citizens. The target of establishing a health-oriented society by 2035 remains on track, laying a sturdy foundation for modernization in line with Chinese characteristics.
