At a recent press conference during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress on March 7, 2026, Lei Haichao, head of China's National Health Commission, announced a significant milestone: more than 90% of residents in China can now access their nearest medical services within 15 minutes. This achievement reflects substantial progress in improving healthcare accessibility across the nation over recent years.

While the figures of fifteen minutes and over 90% may seem straightforward, they reveal a complex narrative of China's committed efforts toward enhancing healthcare accessibility and equity for its citizens. This endeavor has become an essential part of the government's national strategy.

The Healthy China 2030 Initiative, outlined by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council in 2016, serves as a comprehensive framework aimed at bolstering public health. The initiative prioritizes equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services while strengthening the entire medical and health service system.

In rural regions like Yunyang County, local medical professionals exemplify this commitment to timely care. For example, a doctor facilitated an electrocardiogram for a villager experiencing chest pain, transmitting results to a diagnostic center within moments, thereby ensuring the patient could receive timely treatment.

To meet the goal of accessible and reliable medical care, the National Health Commission has improved the primary healthcare system, catering to both urban and rural populations. By 2025, the expansion of over 1.1 million healthcare institutions nationwide will serve the healthcare needs of 1.4 billion citizens, significantly enhancing their access to medical services.

Furthermore, China's healthcare reform has evolved to a broader scope, focusing on the integration of services, insurance, and pharmaceuticals. Aiming for efficiency, national centralized medicine procurement is projected to encompass 490 medications by the end of 2025, thereby reducing costs and making healthcare more affordable.

In addition to expanding service access, the country is accelerating the training of healthcare professionals to ensure a qualified workforce in primary care settings. By 2025, China expects to have over 16 million healthcare workers, including a significant number of licensed physicians and registered nurses.

The Beijing Ivy Medical Expert League is among numerous initiatives that represent talent support and training for local healthcare providers. This non-profit has facilitated medical assistance programs across numerous hospitals, allowing patients to receive specialized care locally instead of traveling to major cities.

The Healthy China initiative also emphasizes the integration of traditional Chinese medicine with modern technology, enhancing service innovation and promoting TCM on a global scale. Health centers are poised to establish dedicated TCM clinics by 2030, highlighting the ongoing modernization of these practices.

Ultimately, as emphasized by Lei, the aim is to cultivate a robust healthcare system that supports public health as a cornerstone of social progress. With healthcare expansion remaining a priority, China is set to continue its forward momentum toward making healthcare accessible, affordable, and high-quality for all citizens.