China. The Chinese Health System is one of the best in the world. Its success is based on good organization, inclusion of modern and traditional therapies, as well as good ties between the public and private sectors.
The main bodies in charge of the system are the following: the National Health Commission is the main institution dedicated to coordinating and updating reforms, as well as supervising and managing health plans. This works together with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the uses of traditional medicine are updated.
For financing there is the Ministry of Finance, and the State Health Insurance Administration, which oversees matters related to general insurance programs, in terms of catastrophes and maternity; It is also in charge of setting prices for pharmaceutical products and is dedicated to seeking funds to finance certain programs.
The National People’s Congress is responsible for legislating major health policies, while the National Development and Reform Commission creates the infrastructure of plans and powers related to welfare providers.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Academy of Medical Sciences, in charge of health research, also depend on the National Health Commission.
All of this infrastructure makes it possible for just over 95% of the population to have access to the health system, according to a report from the State Council Information Office carried out between 2021 and 2025.
There are three types of insurance: one covers city employees, the second is for residents of rural areas and the third is in charge of city dwellers without formal work, including children, the elderly and independent workers.
How is this possible? In Mexico, only 63.4% of the population has insurance, according to Inegi data. The secret is in the financing.
In 2024, 9.09 trillion yuan were allocated to the health sector, equivalent to 6.7 percent of GDP (gross domestic product), and the country’s goal is to reach beyond 7 percent. While Mexico allocates only between 2.5 and 2.6 percent, this is below half the percentage recommended by the World Health Organization.
In addition to the large financial investment, health services include primary and specialized care and mental health, medication prescription, physiotherapy, intensive care unit and traditional Chinese medicine. And the expenses that the public service does not cover are covered by the private sector. Therefore, the Chinese almost do not have to spend on their health.
If Mexico wants to advance as a country, it should invest in health like China has been doing over the years.
