Officials from the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) visited the Centre for Health Policy this week on a fact-finding mission to learn about the UK’s health care system.

Officials from the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) visited the Centre for Health Policy this week on a fact-finding mission to learn about the UK’s health care system. The NDRC is the most important government department in China and is leading on ambitious health reforms in the country.

 The delegation heard from Imperial’s Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) Chairman Professor the Lord Ara Darzi about UK health policy and his experience as a Minister in the Department of Health. There were also presentations on NHS Trusts and Health Policy, and another, by Chief Executive Officer Mark Davies, on how Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust is organised. The Chinese delegation, led by Vice-chairman Sun Zhigang, asked many questions with a particular interest in funding flows and the prescribing habits of doctors.

 China is seeking to implement an effective health system across its vast population and huge geographical area. The goal is universal coverage by 2020. 

 Reflecting on the visit, Lord Darzi said:

“It’s important to share with other countries that are developing health care systems where the NHS has excelled and areas which could be improved. I was pleased to welcome Sun Zhigang and his team to St. Mary’s and hope this leads to opportunities in the future for further collaboration with China.”

 Read more about China’s health reform plans in this Lancet article.