China’s health system confronts many challenging complexities. The burden of disease in China is already in the midst of a dramatic transition from infectious to non-communicable diseases, while facing a set of emerging health threats such as environmental pollution. The Chinese government has committed to establish universal coverage of basic health care by 2020. In the pursuit of these goals, better knowledge and evidence are much needed to inform the academic circle, policy makers and the public alike.

The current capacity of HPSR is underdeveloped in China in quantity, qualitative depth, and disciplinary breadth. The overall competence in HPSR does not grow along with increasing numbers in institutions and personnel. Availability of qualified researchers, independence of institutions/researchers in health policy studies, communications with international academia, and availability of enabling conditions are the main concerns for the performance of HPSR.
Peking University China Center for Health Development Studies (CCHDS) was established in collaboration with China Medical Board (CMB). Tapping into the unique multidisciplinary capabilities and rich academic resources offered by Peking University and its partners, CCHDS is pioneering a fully modern and international vision in serving the health development and reform in China and the world through academic research, education and training. Innovative operational mechanisms have been established to effectively nurture the highest quality work. World class scholars and researchers are being recruited. CCHDS has been officially launched on April 27, 2010.