Healthy China 2030 - A Blueprint for Global Innovation & Collaboration in Tackling NCDs

China is facing a rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), intensified by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and an aging population. The State Council of the People's Republic of China reports that NCDs now account for 88% of deaths and over 70% of healthcare costs in China, signalling an urgent need for a shift in healthcare delivery.?

China's population is aging at an unprecedented pace. Chinese state media reports that the nation is on the verge of reaching a "moderately aging" status, with 20% of its population aged 60 and above. Projections indicate that this proportion will escalate to 30%, accounting for over 400 million people, by 2035.

According to research conducted by Pew Research Center and published in an article authored by Laura R. Silver and Christine Huang , the United Nations ' projections indicate that by 2079, the number of Chinese people outside the working-age population will surpass those within it, resulting in a dependency ratio of 101.1. This signifies a significant shift in the country's demographic structure.

China, alongside nations like Ghana, Mexico, India, Russia, and South Africa, is confronting an escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as mental disorders, type2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease and cancer, exacerbated by swift industrialization, urbanization, and a rapidly aging population. These countries share the challenge of addressing the growing impact of NCDs on their healthcare systems. In China, NCDs account for an alarming 88% of deaths and over 70% of healthcare expenditures, as reported by the State Council. This alarming data underscores the pressing need to transform healthcare delivery in the face of this burgeoning health crisis.

In an interview, Li Chen , CEO at Hua Medicine discusses the significant impact of diabetes on health in China states that in China. He dives into the Chinese government’s new policies that allow pharmaceutical drugs to be sold and purchased online, expanding access, particularly for those in rural areas. He discusses dorzagliatin, a novel class of diabetes drugs, recently approved by Chinese regulatory agencies.

The model for selling dorzagliatin in China is more focused on leveraging digital health platforms, government support for online pharmacies, and the integration of telemedicine, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities in the Chinese healthcare landscape. In contrast, the West still relies more on traditional sales channels, with a more cautious approach to digital health services.

In a study published by The Lancet Group on “Primary health care system responses to NCDs prevention and control: a scoping review of national policies in Mainland China since the 2009 health reform”, Shangzhi Xiong et al. (2023) provides a comprehensive assessment framework of China’s national-level policy documents concerning NCD prevention and control, particularly within the framework of primary health care.

The traditional model, primarily focused on treating existing diseases, has proven costly and increasingly ineffective in meeting the evolving health needs of China's 1.4 billion citizens. This realization has spurred a bold move towards a more proactive, prevention-oriented healthcare system.?

In an unprecedented move to transform its healthcare landscape, China has embarked on an ambitious journey with its "Healthy China 2030" initiative. This visionary plan aims to revolutionize the nation's approach to health and well-being, setting a new standard for healthcare systems worldwide. A recent report, the China Edition of the Global Health and Healthcare Strategic Outlook, launched at the 2023 Annual Meeting of New Champions in Tianjin, sheds light on China's progress and priorities in this monumental endeavour.?

As part of the 'How can we achieve a healthy China by 2030?' research by World Economic Forum and 艾意凯咨询公司 , at the heart of the Healthy China 2030 initiative are four strategic pillars:?

I. Equitable access and outcomes in health and healthcare?

II. Healthcare systems transformation?

III. Technology and innovation?

IV. Environmental and climate sustainability?

Not just a government initiative

The journey towards a Healthy China by 2030 is not just a government initiative—it is a national movement that requires the participation of all stakeholders. From healthcare providers and technology companies to individual citizens, everyone has a role to play in this transformation, as it relies heavily on collaboration between public and private stakeholders, both locally and internationally.

To realize the Healthy China 2030 vision, several initiatives have been launched:?

?1. Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles:?The government aims to significantly improve public health by promoting balanced diets, reducing salt, fat, and sugar intake, and launching extensive mass fitness programs. The creation of 15-minute fitness circles with free or low-cost public sports facilities is a key component of this strategy.?

?2. Disease Prevention and Control:?A comprehensive tobacco control movement is set to be implemented, alongside efforts to improve mental health. Concurrent initiatives aim to prevent infectious diseases and endemics.?

?3. Maternal, Child, and Occupational Health: Enhanced focus on maternal and childcare, student health, and prevention of occupational diseases such as pneumoconiosis.?

?4. Technological Integration: In Zhejiang province, the integration of AI and big data into colorectal cancer screening has led to significant advancements, with 4.6 million people assessed and over 3,000 cancer cases identified by September 2022.?

5. Cross-Industry Collaborations: Programs like "Jin Qing Bang" in Jinyun, Zhejiang, exemplify successful partnerships between public and private entities, allocating funds to relieve disadvantaged patients with critical diseases.?

6. Patient Empowerment: Fuzhou's "credit-based" family doctor service incentivizes patient engagement by rewarding health-related tasks with credits redeemable for additional services.?

Successful examples include:?

a. Regional Collaboration: The partnership between 复旦大学附属中山医院 and the Xiamen government has filled critical technical gaps and improved surrounding hospitals.?

b. Innovative Funding Models: MediTrust 's partnership with CAR-T manufacturers has led to innovative payment options for high-cost therapies.?

c. Public-Private Partnerships: The Guangming Center Capability Construction and Enhancement Project has established standards of practice and built an innovative retinal training platform.?

Pharmaceutical Firms Empowering China's 'Healthy China 2030

Pharmaceutical companies are playing a significant role in supporting and aligning with China’s “Healthy China 2030” initiative. Here are some key actions that pharma companies are taking in response to the Healthy China 2030 initiative:

1. Localization and Customization

? Recognizing the unique health challenges faced by the Chinese population, pharmaceutical companies are customizing their products to better meet local needs. This includes adjusting formulations, dosage forms, and packaging to suit the preferences and medical needs of Chinese patients.

? To align with the Healthy China 2030 initiative’s focus on improving healthcare access, some pharmaceutical companies have established or expanded manufacturing facilities within China. This not only reduces costs and improves supply chain efficiency but also ensures that essential medicines are readily available to the Chinese population.

2. Digital Health and Technology Integration

? To support China’s push towards digital healthcare, pharmaceutical companies are integrating digital health solutions into their operations. This includes the use of telemedicine platforms, mobile health apps, and AI-driven diagnostic tools to enhance patient care and streamline treatment processes. By leveraging these technologies, pharma companies help expand access to healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas.

? Big data analytics is being used by pharmaceutical companies to better understand the health trends in China, predict disease outbreaks, and optimize treatment protocols. This data-driven approach aligns with China’s goal of creating a more efficient and effective healthcare system.

3. Public Awareness and Education

? Pharmaceutical companies are actively involved in public health education campaigns that align with the goals of the Healthy China 2030 initiative. These campaigns focus on raising awareness about the prevention and management of NCDs, promoting healthy lifestyles, and educating the public about the benefits of vaccination and early disease detection.

? To address the workforce challenges highlighted by the initiative, some pharmaceutical companies are investing in the training and development of healthcare professionals in China. This includes providing training programs, workshops, and resources to help healthcare workers stay updated on the latest medical advancements and treatment protocols.

Leading pharmaceutical companies such as 辉瑞 , 阿斯利康 , 罗氏公司 , 强生公司 , 诺华 , Sanofi , 默克 , 荷商葛蘭素史克藥廠 , 拜耳 , and Takeda are at the forefront of supporting China's "Healthy China 2030" initiative.

In a recent interview with PharmaBoardroom , Jenny Lei ZHENG , the SVP & GM of Greater China for Illumina , discusses the company’s pivotal role in advancing genomics as part of China's Healthy China 2030 initiative. Illumina is shifting from a product-centric to a customer-centric approach, embedding its technologies deeper into local workflows, and leveraging regional talent. The company is actively involved in national genomic projects, such as the Hong Kong Genome Project, and collaborates with public hospitals in China on disease-specific cohort studies. These efforts are crucial in integrating genomics into healthcare, driving innovation in personalized medicine, and contributing to the long-term health outcomes envisioned by the Healthy China 2030 plan.?

China-specific challenges include the lack of strong, well-resourced public health capacities, inadequate preventative services, and the absence of a national public health entity to integrate preventive efforts with the existing hospital-based system.

As part of a TED Conferences talk, Keyu Jin , Profession at 英国伦敦政治经济学院 offers a different lens to look though, one that shows a unique model that has fostered innovation. Keyu discusses the remarkable transformation of China from a country of scarcity in the 1980s to one of technological abundance today. She highlights how China’s approach to innovation differs from the West, emphasizing the “whole nation” or “juguo” system, where national resources are mobilized to achieve strategic goals.

China’s unique innovation model can be linked to the evolving approaches in engaging physicians and patients, mapping new Go-To-Market models, and addressing real-world healthcare challenges by emphasizing the need for an integrated, collaborative, and adaptable strategy. Just as China’s “whole nation” approach and “mayor economy” foster innovation through decentralization and grassroots support, the healthcare industry can drive meaningful change by leveraging local insights, empowering frontline healthcare providers, and fostering patient engagement.

In this context, innovation in healthcare should not only be about groundbreaking technologies but also about rethinking how we engage with physicians and patients—creating systems that are responsive, scalable, and deeply connected to the needs of those they serve. By mapping new Go-To-Market models that are flexible and tailored to specific regions or populations, healthcare companies can address the real-world challenges of accessibility, affordability, and patient outcomes. Ultimately, just as China’s innovation playbook shows, success in healthcare will come from a blend of top-down strategy and bottom-up ingenuity, where every stakeholder plays a crucial role in driving forward the next generation of healthcare solutions.

As China continues to innovate and implement these far-reaching healthcare reforms, the world watches with keen interest. The lessons learned here will not only shape the future of Chinese healthcare but could also serve as a blueprint for nations across the globe.