Xi Jinping signals bigger push on Healthy China in Two Sessions remarks
2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for health policy.
On March 6, Xi Jinping discussed medical and health reform with members of China's top political advisory body (CPPCC).
Why it matters: Xi meets a selected group of CPPCC members each year on day three of the Two Sessions for a discussion centered around his major policy priorities for the year.
- In 2023, he used the meeting to emphasize support for private enterprises.
This year, top health policy advisors and medical researchers presented on how to:
- Support innovative drug research
- Strengthen China's weak grassroots primary care system
- Expand the use of AI in healthcare
In his remarks, Xi called for "decisive progress" in building a healthy China, naming three major priorities (Gov.cn):
- Improving the public health system, where he flagged the integration of preventative medicine into the treatment-focused medical system
- Building a more efficient medical service system via stronger support for rural and community-level primary care
- Promoting "healthy and civilized lifestyles," including fitness, healthy diets, and weight management
Don't forget: The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) includes new targets for healthcare staffing and support for biopharmaceuticals as an emerging pillar industry.
Get smart: Beijing is gearing up for a new round of reforms aimed at ensuring its healthcare system is fit for a superpower.
- That should create significant opportunities for foreign firms across consumer health, nutrition, medtech, eldercare, and more.