Xi Jinping Emphasizes Holistic Health Approach for China, Prioritizing Rural and Preventative Care

Chinese President Xi Jinping has underscored the importance of a comprehensive and equitable healthcare system for China, with a particular focus on strengthening public health infrastructure, integrating traditional Chinese medicine, and prioritizing the health needs of rural communities. His recent directives highlight a commitment to achieving a “Healthy China” by 2035, building upon a decade of progress in national health initiatives.

Focus on Rural Health and Plateau Disease Prevention

President Xi has consistently demonstrated concern for the healthcare challenges faced by those living in remote and high-altitude regions. He specifically addressed the prevention and treatment of plateau disease, acknowledging it as a significant obstacle to health and well-being in areas like the Chengjiang region. Xi urged for continued strengthening of capabilities in this area, recognizing that addressing these “weak links” in border regions is crucial for building a healthy China. He also emphasized the value of integrating ethnic medicine, including Chinese, Zhuang, Mongolian, and Miao medicine, into healthcare practices.

The “Healthy China” Strategy: Key Pillars

The “Healthy China” strategy, formalized at the National Hygiene and Health Conference ten years ago, rests on six core principles:

• Prioritizing the Grassroots: Focusing resources and attention on primary healthcare and community-level health services.
• Driving Force of Reform and Innovation: Embracing new technologies and approaches to improve healthcare delivery.
• Prevention as a Cornerstone: Emphasizing preventative care and public health initiatives to reduce the burden of disease.
• Integrating Traditional and Western Medicine: Leveraging the strengths of both traditional Chinese medicine and modern Western medical practices.
• Health in All Policies: Considering the health implications of all government policies and initiatives.
• People-Centered Approach: Ensuring that healthcare services are accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of the population.

Strengthening Public Health and Medical Services

Xi Jinping called for deepening “social joint management” and strengthening cooperation between medical prevention and treatment. This approach was reinforced by the collective experience of the nation during recent epidemic prevention and control efforts. The “14th Five-Year Plan” has already yielded positive results, with an increase in the number of basic medical and hygiene organizations from 970,000 to 1.055 million. Importantly, these organizations handle over 50% of all medical treatments, demonstrating improved access to care at the local level. Chinadaily.com.cn

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Recognizing the link between lifestyle and health outcomes, President Xi stressed the importance of promoting healthy habits across the population. This includes enhancing health literacy, encouraging participation in sports and patriotic hygiene movements, and promoting reasonable diets and healthy weight management. He noted with approval that China’s average life expectancy has already reached 79.2 years in 2025. Globaltimes.cn

Looking Ahead: The “15th Five-Year” Plan

The “15th Five-Year” Plan outlines ambitious goals for further improving the nation’s health, including increasing average life expectancy to 80 years and raising the proportion of nursing beds in nursing homes to 73%. President Xi emphasized the need for consistent implementation of the “path of health and health development with Chinese characteristics” and the new era health and health work policy, even as policies are adapted to changing circumstances. ecns.cn

President Xi’s directives underscore a long-term commitment to building a healthier China, prioritizing preventative care, equitable access, and the integration of traditional and modern medical practices.