China Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
China's physicians was 3.60 in 2025, ranked 41st globally. This represents a 15.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1965–2025.
Overview
China's physicians stood at 3.60 in 2025, a rise of +0.49 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.60 by 2025. China ranked 41st globally.
China’s density of physicians per 1,000 people rose from 1.07 in 1965 to a historic high of 3.60 in 2025, ranking it 41st globally. The early 1970s marked a low point of 0.85, reflecting limited medical training capacity during the Cultural Revolution, after which reforms and massive expansion of medical schools propelled a steady climb. Over the 52‑year span, the increase averages roughly 0.05 physicians per 1,000 each year, outpacing many middle‑income peers; for example, Chile recorded 3.70 and Paraguay 3.56 in the same year, placing China just below those nations in absolute terms. The sustained growth reflects both government investment in health infrastructure and demographic pressures from an aging population. Continued policy emphasis on rural recruitment and integration of telemedicine could further elevate physician density, while fiscal constraints or demographic stagnation might temper future gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 3.60 | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.60 | +0.49 | #41 |
| 2022 | 3.11 | +0.60 | #49 |
| 2021 | 2.52 | +0.13 | #62 |
| 2020 | 2.39 | +0.13 | #65 |
| 2019 | 2.26 | +0.13 | #67 |
| 2018 | 2.12 | +0.12 | #70 |
| 2017 | 2.00 | +0.12 | #74 |
| 2016 | 1.89 | +0.09 | #71 |
| 2015 | 1.80 | +0.09 | #71 |
| 2014 | 1.71 | +0.05 | #78 |
| 2013 | 1.66 | +0.10 | #73 |
| 2012 | 1.56 | +0.08 | #73 |
| 2011 | 1.49 | +0.03 | #75 |
| 2010 | 1.46 | +0.04 | #73 |
| 2009 | 1.42 | +0.08 | #70 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
China's physicians was 3.60 in 2025. Ranked 41st globally. This represents a 15.7% increase from the previous year.
China's physicians peaked at 3.60 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in China was 0.85 in 1971.
China ranks 41st globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
China's physicians is projected to reach 3.60 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of China in 2025 was 3.60. This ranks 41st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_physicians,
title = {China Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}