Doctor Density in China: 1.4 per 1,000 People (2020)

China's Physician Workforce: Current Status

According to World Bank data, China had 1.4 doctors per 1,000 population in 2020. This is significantly below the OECD average of 3.4 per 1,000.

Implications

• Large Population Pressure: With 1.4 billion people, even small per-capita gaps translate to massive absolute shortages.
• Regional Disparities: Urban coastal areas approach OECD levels; rural and western regions face acute deficits.
• System Development: China is expanding medical education, incentivizing rural service, and integrating AI/telemedicine to bridge gaps.

Comparative Context

While improving rapidly from 0.6 per 1,000 in 1998, China still lags behind developed nations. The "Healthy China 2030" initiative targets 2.5–3.0 per 1,000 through increased training and retention policies.