Health sector, the next big industry

China is launching big plans to target the domestic health industry for the next decades, with the potential value of the sector expected to reach 16 trillion yuan ($2.36 trillion), Shanghai Securities Journal reported.

The "Healthy China 2030" blueprint, released Tuesday by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, plans to ensure residents of rural and urban areas enjoy equal access to basic health services in 2020.

It also expects to increase the average life expectancy to 77.3 by 2020 and 79 by 2030.

The guideline focuses not only on medical services for patients visiting doctors, but takes a holistic approach, including education, lifestyle, services and environment.

Liu Yuanli, head of the public health school under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, said "Health is not just about curing illness. Prevention is the key."

According to Liu, every one in 10 adult Chinese is a diabetic and one out of four suffers high blood pressure.

The guideline proposes to raise people's awareness to help them cope positively with illness.

It encourages companies and individuals to take out commercial health insurance policies.

China is encouraging and promoting the development of diverse medical services and health industry as it tackles the challenge of an aging society.

There are currently five major businesses related to the sector: medical service, medicine and equipment, health care products, health management, and pension industry.