China
China is currently undergoing healthcare reforms. In 2005, an initiative called The New Rural Cooperative Medical Care System was introduced. The proposed system represents an overhaul of the country’s entire healthcare system and would focus on provided easily accessible and affordable care to China’s rural population. Under this system, medical insurance would be available for approximately $7 USD per person, 80% of which is paid by the federal and provincial governments. The remaining 20% is paid for by the individual. By 2007, approximately 685 million people living in China’s rural areas had enrolled in this plan. This insurance doesn’t cover all costs, but actually operates on a three-tiered system that determines how much the patient pays based on where they receive treatment. In cities, around 30% is covered, in counties, 60%, and in towns, 70 to 80% of the patient’s bill is covered.
Healthcare Spending
Healthcare spending is low in China. China spends only 5.4% of its national GDP on healthcare, a percentage that amounts to $480 USD per person. This amount is below the average for countries grouped in the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region, which is more than $700 USD per person. However, even the average for this region is low compared to the rest of the world. The CIA World Factbook ranks China as 135th in the world according to the percentage of the GDP that is spent on healthcare.
Availability of Care
China suffers from a shortage of health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives. The World Health Organization indicates that there are approximately 1.46 doctors per every one thousand people in China. While that figure is comparable with the regional average of 1.53 doctors per one thousand people in the Western Pacific Region, it is not high enough to adequately serve the medical needs of the population. Similarly, there are 1.51 nurses and midwives per one thousand people in China. In terms of available hospital beds, the situation is moderately better, with 3.8 beds per every thousand people.
Life Expectancy & Mortality
Life expectancy is low in China, compared to higher-income countries around the world. The current average is 75.15 years. Life expectancy differs for men and women, with men living shorter than women in general. However, in China this disparity is not as great as in other countries, such as Russia. Men can expect to live for an average of 73.09 years and women can expect to live for an average of 77.43 years.
Other Issues
China’s healthcare sector has just entered a period of rapid growth. Spending continues to increase; in 2011, the country spent $357 billion USD and this figure is expected to triple within less than ten years. A lot of this money is targeted towards improving rural medical facilities and services, since much of China’s population is rural. Unfortunately, since the reform, equal access to healthcare for both rural and urban members of the population is still not a reality. Research has suggested that the Chinese government focus on improving the general state of health of the population as opposed to profiting from healthcare institutions and the health market.