China’s nursing workforce is growing at a brisk 8% annual rate, according to data released by the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China. The figures coincide with International Nurses Day, observed globally on May 12 to honor Florence Nightingale’s legacy and recognize nurses’ contributions to healthcare systems.
This year’s theme, “Our nurses. Our future. Caring for nurses strengthens health systems,” underscores the profession’s critical role in sustaining economic and public health stability. Analysts note that China’s steady expansion of its nursing workforce aligns with broader efforts to address aging populations and rising healthcare demands across Asia.
The Commission highlighted investments in vocational training and improved working conditions as key drivers of growth. Nurses now account for over 55% of China’s healthcare professionals, with specialized roles in elderly care and critical medicine seeing particular momentum.
