China is seeking to raise its citizens' average life expectancy to 77.3 by 2020 and 79 by 2030, up from 76.34 in 2015, according to a government plan on health development for the next 15 years.
The "Healthy China 2030" blueprint, released Tuesday by the Communist Party of China Central (CPC) Committee and the State Council, contains 29 chapters covering areas such as public health services, environment management, the medical industry, and food and drug safety.
While acknowledging the country's recent strides in improving the health of its citizens, the blue print noted that industrialization, urbanization, an aging population, and environmental and lifestyle changes have led to new "major and long-term health related issues" that require nationwide strategies.
In order to achieve the goal, the document said that health education will be integrated into the entire education system and a national nutrition plan established with focus on food nutrition research and monitoring nutrition status of citizens.
Under the plan, the number of people "frequently participating in physical exercise" is expected to rise to 530 million by 2030 from 360 million by 2014. The smoking rate of those aged 15 or above is also forecasted to drop by 20 percent.
"Health is not just about curing illness. Prevention is the key," said Liu Yuanli, head of the public health school under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, told China Daily in a report posted Wednesday. "With a focus on healthy life styles, the document places emphasis on health knowledge and skills, and encouraging good habits. This is the best approach."
The document suggested measures such imposing higher taxes on cigarettes and stricter laws to curb the number of smokers, and offered proposals for mental health intervention, safe sex, and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
In addition, the infant mortality rate is expected to drop to five out of every 1,000 live births by 2030, down from the current eight. Mortality rates for children under the age of five and pregnant women are also seen to decrease notably.
Other plans mentioned in the blueprint include improved access to basic health services in both rural and urban areas, better air quality and garbage disposal, and more doctors and registered nurses.
"The central government has invested heavily in improving medical services at the local level, it has financed the building of community health service centers, township health centers and village clinics," Li Bin, head of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, told China Daily.
"The greatest challenge lies in a shortage of health personnel at the local level," Li said, adding that every locality was different and should be treated as such when addressing issues.