Imagine racing against time to save your child's life while facing treatment costs higher than your lifetime earnings. This was the reality for families battling rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) just years ago. But in 2026, China's healthcare revolution is rewriting these stories.
Through exclusive access to two SMA families' journeys since 2022, CGTN reveals how policy changes are making miracles happen: 💉 Price caps on life-saving drugs 📜 Fast-tracked medicine approvals 🤝 National insurance coverage expansion
"Four years ago, we sold everything. Now my daughter gets treatment through our insurance," shares Li Mei*, mother of an 8-year-old with SMA.
With 1,400+ rare diseases identified globally, China's new patient registry system (launched this year) connects researchers and families faster than ever. Medical AI breakthroughs are also helping diagnose rare conditions in days instead of years.
As the world marks Rare Disease Day this month, China's message rings clear: In healthcare equality, no group is too small to matter. 🌍❤️
