China's 4 Million Registered Nurses in 2018 Fall Short of Surging Elderly Care Demand, NHC Reports

“By the end of 2018, China had 249 million elderly people aged 60 and above, accounting for 17.9% of the population. The number of elderly people aged 65 and above was 166 million, representing 11.9%. Among them, 150 million elderly suffered from chronic diseases, accounting for 65% of the total elderly population. There were 44 million elderly with disabilities or partial disabilities. These figures indicate that the long-term care demand among China’s elderly population is relatively high. This is a very serious and pressing issue we face, constituting an essential need.”

The following is the statement made by Jiao Yahui, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Medical Administration and Hospital Management under the National Health Commission, at a regular press conference held at 10:00 a.m. on May 8 in the Press Conference Hall of Building No. 2 of the Commission’s headquarters, where she introduced the development of nursing services across China.

Data show that by the end of 2018, there were nearly 800 nursing homes (stations) and over 800 rehabilitation hospitals. The workforce of elderly care practitioners has expanded, a training system for medical caregivers is being established, and elderly care services are gradually extending from institutions to communities and households, achieving rapid development.

Regarding registered nurses, Jiao Yahui revealed that by the end of 2018, the total number of registered nurses nationwide exceeded 4 million, with 3 nurses per 1,000 population. By the end of 2017, China had more than 3.8 million registered nurses, with 2.74 nurses per 1,000 population. The figures for this year show an increase compared to those released during the same period last year. However, in the face of 44 million elderly individuals suffering from disability and dementia, even if the target of 4.45 million registered nurses planned for the end of 2020 is achieved, the shortfall in elderly care will remain substantial.

Jiao Yahui stated that the National Health Commission will vigorously strengthen the nursing workforce, allocate nursing personnel in a scientific and rational manner to meet clinical demands. Adhering to job-oriented requirements, the Commission will enhance nurse training and education to improve nursing service capabilities. It will continuously refine the system for nurse practice management and broaden career development pathways for nurses. Pilot programs for “Internet Plus Nursing Services” will be launched to regulate and guide their healthy development.

Meanwhile, strengthen elderly care services. Issue guiding documents on enhancing the development of elderly care and standardizing needs assessments for long-term care among the elderly, so as to further accelerate the development of long-term care and general caregiving for older adults, with a focus on increasing the supply of nursing services for disabled seniors, thereby improving their sense of well-being and fulfillment. Release documents on strengthening the training and management of medical caregivers, increase the number of personnel providing elderly care services, enhance the vocational skills of medical caregivers, and expand social employment opportunities.

The next steps will focus on four key areas: strengthening the nursing workforce, accelerating the development of the nursing care service industry, enhancing elderly care services, and intensifying publicity and advocacy efforts.

Jiao Yahui stated, “With only 4 million nurses currently available, this workforce is far from sufficient to meet the enormous demand for elderly care. Therefore, training outlines and service standards for medical caregivers are currently being developed. Once these guidelines are issued, efforts across society will be intensified to accelerate and expand the training and cultivation of medical caregivers for the elderly. The primary aim is to address the daily medical and nursing care needs of disabled and semi-disabled older adults through the deployment of trained medical caregivers.”