China issues plan to boost health-related spending

The guidelines include improving the market supply of special foods.

China has issued its action plan aimed at boosting health-related consumption as it boosts efforts to enhance the quality of health products and services and address the growing needs of its population seeking a better quality of life.

Data shows that China's per capita spending on health care stood at around $353 last year, accounting for 9% of the country's total per capita consumption expenditure.

Under the plan, authorities said China will increase the healthiness of people's diets and improve the market supply of special foods. The supply of high-quality agricultural products will also be strengthened, and there will be a crackdown on illegal food additives.

Dietary and exercise guidance for those with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other medical conditions will be provided by health institutions.

China will also boost its sports tourism and create more fitness and sports consumption scenarios.

There will also be programmes for the elderly and new services to provide health examinations, consultations and management, and to accelerate the establishment of rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, and palliative care institutions.