Stanford University economist praises progress in China's rural health system

A senior development economist from Stanford University has highlighted the integration of rural medical services and improved nutrition for children as significant areas of progress in China's rural health.

In a recent interview, Scott Rozelle, co-director of the Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, said Chinese authorities have worked to create a more unified healthcare network linking various tiers of rural medical institutions over the past decade. This system has connected county hospitals and township clinics into a coordinated unit, enabling healthcare workers in rural areas to collaborate effectively, he said.

Rozelle noted that the role of rural healthcare providers has expanded to include more public health functions, such as vaccination efforts and routine checkups for the elderly. Enhanced communication and transportation infrastructure now allow these health practitioners to conduct regular home visits, monitor seniors' health, promote wellness, and support medication adherence, he added.

Data from the National Health Commission, China's top health authority, shows that 2,199 county-level regions are currently operating 3,099 closely knit medical consortia. These networks, typically led by county-level hospitals, aim to improve the capacity of township health centers and village clinics.

More than 85 percent of community health centers and township health clinics now provide weekend vaccination services. Additionally, 95 percent of these facilities offer long-term prescription services, allowing patients to receive several months' worth of medication in a single visit, reducing the need for frequent trips.

Rozelle also emphasized notable progress in child health, citing rising hospital delivery rates, improved postnatal guidance on nutrition, and enhanced school meal programs. Through regular wellness checks for infants, parents receive information about nutrition, including the crucial public health message of promoting the start of complementary feeding at six months.

Coupled with a national drive to offer free, nutritious meals for rural students, he said nutrition levels among young children have risen markedly in recent years, contributing to lower anemia rates and better cognitive and language development.

Official data shows that systematic management rates for pregnant women and new mothers, and the rate of regular newborn checkups, have remained above 90 percent. Maternal and infant mortality rates have continued to decline, positioning China among the top performers for upper-middle-income countries. By the end of 2024, the maternal mortality ratio had fallen to 14.3 per 100,000 live births, and the infant mortality rate had dropped to 4 per 1,000 live births.

Looking forward, Rozelle said China's experience in healthcare development could provide valuable lessons for other developing nations, including those in Southeast Asia and Africa, but it is important to adapt approaches to local conditions.