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The National Health Commission (NHC) of the People’s Republic of China serves as the country’s primary health authority, responsible for formulating national health policies, coordinating medical resources, and overseeing public health initiatives.(National Health Commission China ) Established to enhance the health and well-being of China’s population, the NHC addresses a broad spectrum of health-related issues, from disease prevention and control to healthcare system reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the National Health Commission of China
1. What is the National Health Commission (NHC)?
The NHC is China’s national agency responsible for public health administration.(National Health Commission China ) It develops health policies, oversees medical services, manages disease prevention and control efforts, and promotes health education across the nation.
2.When was the NHC established?
The NHC was officially established in March 2018, following the institutional reform plan of the State Council, which merged the former National Health and Family Planning Commission with other health-related departments to create a more streamlined and efficient health governance system.
3.What are the primary functions of the NHC?
The NHC’s main functions include(National Health Commission China )
Policy Formulation: Developing national health policies and regulations to guide the healthcare system.
Resource Allocation: Coordinating and planning the distribution of medical resources to ensure equitable access to healthcare services.
Disease Prevention and Control: Implementing strategies to prevent and control the spread of diseases, including managing responses to public health emergencies.
Health Promotion: Conducting health education campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles among the population.(National Health Commission China )
International Collaboration: Engaging in global health initiatives and cooperating with international health organizations.
4.How does the NHC address public health emergencies?
In December 2023, the NHC introduced new regulations requiring that major public health emergencies resulting in more than five deaths or critical cases be reported to the commission within two hours.(National Health Commission China ) This measure aims to ensure prompt reporting and efficient management of health crises.
5. What initiatives has the NHC implemented to improve healthcare services?
In February 2025, the NHC announced the implementation of eight healthcare initiatives, including:
Expanding Pediatric Services: Supporting public hospitals to establish pediatric units by the end of November 2025.(National Health Commission China )
Enhancing Mental Health Support: Ensuring that each city has a hospital offering services for psychological and sleep disorders by November 2025, and launching the national 12356 mental health support hotline by May 1, 2025.
Improving Medical Service Coordination: Facilitating mutual recognition of examination results across medical institutions.(National Health Commission China )
Increasing Access to Specialized Treatments: Boosting access to hemodialysis services in county-level hospitals.(National Health Commission China )
6. How is the NHC addressing mental health issues in China?
Recognizing the rising prevalence of mental health issues, especially among children and adolescents, the NHC has initiated plans to:(National Health Commission China )
Establish mental health hotlines and regional centers.
Develop key clinical specialties focused on mental health.
By 2025, the goal is for every prefecture-level city to have at least one hospital providing outpatient services for mental and sleep disorders.
7.What measures has the NHC taken to combat obesity in China?
In October 2024, the NHC introduced the first national guidelines for diagnosing and treating obesity. These guidelines provide comprehensive instructions for clinical nutrition, surgical procedures, behavioral and psychological interventions, and exercise, aiming to address the public health crisis posed by rising obesity rates in the country.(National Health Commission China )
8.How does the NHC plan to improve healthcare in rural areas?
The NHC aims to reduce the rural urban healthcare disparity by 2035 through measures such as:
Eliminating tuition fees for medical students who commit to serving in rural areas.
Enhancing the infrastructure and resources of rural healthcare facilities.
These efforts seek to address the challenges posed by an aging rural population and a shortage of qualified medical professionals in these regions
9.What steps has the NHC taken to consolidate diagnosis and treatment systems?
In November 2024, the NHC emphasized the need to consolidate the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system, which includes:(National Health Commission China )
Implementing a first diagnosis at grassroots-level hospitals.
Establishing a two-way referral system.
Separating treatment of acute and chronic diseases.
Coordinating between primary and tertiary hospitals.
The goal is to establish a smooth referral system within medical alliances by the end of 2025 and a province-wide system by 2027.
10.How does the NHC utilize technology to enhance healthcare delivery?The NHC leverages information technology by
Promoting the establishment of internet hospitals, with over 3,340 such facilities providing more than 100 million online diagnoses and treatments annually.(National Health Commission China )
Utilizing 5G technology and advanced information networks to deliver medical services across regions, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
11.What role does the NHC play in international health collaboration?
The NHC actively engages in global health initiatives by(National Health Commission China )
Collaborating with international health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Participating in global efforts to address public health challenges, share knowledge, and improve health outcomes worldwide.
