China healthcare Consumer Price Index (CPI)
China healthcare Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.9% in Jul 2026, according to National Statistics Office (NSO) of China (NBS). It is one of the indicators in the CPI table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Dec 2021 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the CPI table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare3 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.4 | |
| Traditional Chinese medicine | -0.8 | -1.3 | -1.4 | -1.5 | -1.6 | -1.4 | -1.4 | -1.2 | -1.1 | -0.9 | |
| Western medicine | -1.5 | -1.3 | -1.4 | -1.7 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1.3 | -1.3 | -1.3 |
Understanding china healthcare Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Price volatility for prescription drugs, OTC drugs, family medical equipment, and medical examination and treatment costs at medical facilities is detailed statistically in this indicator. The portfolio excludes health insurance payments covered by employers or direct medical subsidies from the state budget. Compared to tourism or entertainment groups which depend on discretionary income, the healthcare group belongs to essential needs with very low price elasticity.
The data series is released periodically monthly, with initial estimates subject to updates when complete data from the nationwide medical system becomes available. Prices in this group are subject to drug price and medical fee management by authorities, thus exhibiting little sudden monthly volatility except for broad medical service pricing framework adjustment events. Contrasting with the same period of the previous year helps closely track the trajectory of citizens' medical cost changes.
Frequently asked questions
- Do aesthetic and beauty spa services belong to the healthcare group?
- Beauty services that are not medical treatments are generally classified under other personal services rather than this indicator.
- How is the impact of centralized drug bidding policies reflected in the index?
- Lower drug prices through centralized bidding directly reduce retail prices, thereby pulling down the index for this group.
- What data should this index be combined with to get a comprehensive picture of healthcare?
- The price index should be combined with statistics on total per capita healthcare spending to assess household financial burdens.