China's healthcare system has hit a major milestone this year, with 95% of its population now covered under basic medical insurance—a goal accelerated during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) set to conclude this month. 🌏💉
Newly released data reveals that 1.33 billion people were insured by 2024, maintaining near-universal access since 2018. The system prioritizes affordability, with subsidies for low-income households and expanded rural clinic networks bridging urban-rural gaps.
"This isn't just about numbers—it's about dignity," says Li Wei, a university student in Beijing. "My grandparents in Anhui Province finally got consistent care for chronic conditions without bankrupting our family."
While challenges like hospital wait times persist, the coverage expansion aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals. Analysts note it's a key factor in China's rising life expectancy, now at 78.3 years as of 2025. 📈
Looking ahead, policymakers aim to integrate AI-driven diagnostics and telemedicine into the insurance framework by 2026—a move tech-savvy Gen Z residents are already buzzing about on platforms like Weibo and Douyin. 💻🩺
Reference(s):
Healthcare coverage at scale: Near-universal insurance in China
cgtn.com







