Abstract:

Objective To interpret the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) Strategic Plan 2025-2030, construct a comparative framework based on key policy dimensions of health systems, and explore its implications for China.

Methods A policy analysis and comparative research approach was adopted. The WRA strategy and China's rehabilitation policies were compared across five dimensions: governance and institutions, functional measurement and information systems, financing and payment, human resources, and service delivery and equity; while distinguishing policy objectives from implementation outcomes.

Results The core tenets of the WRA strategy were highly aligned with those of China's rehabilitation policies. China already made clear arrangements for its rehabilitation service network and human resource planning. Nevertheless, further strengthening was needed in the institutionalization of functional measurement, economic evidence on rehabilitation investment, and effective coverage of, and equity in, primary/community-based rehabilitation.

Conclusion During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China could draw on the WRA strategic framework to explore feasible pathways for integrating functional assessment based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) into national health monitoring and medical insurance payment systems, accumulate economic evidence on rehabilitation investment, improve the three-tier rehabilitation collaboration network, and address equity at the community level.

Key words: World Rehabilitation Alliance, functioning, Healthy China 2030, 15th Five-Year Plan for National Health, medical rehabilitation and nursing capacity expansion project