The Agony of the Grave: China’s Palliative Care Crisis

What does it take to give people dignity not only in life, but also at the end of it? As China's population ages and living standards rise, the country faces a profound challenge: providing compassionate end-of-life care to a population that increasingly needs it. In this episode, we explore why China remains short of hospice beds, specialized medical training, and accessible palliative care despite recent efforts to expand these services. We examine how cultural taboos surrounding death, a healthcare system focused heavily on curative treatment, and gaps in insurance coverage make it difficult for many families to access comfort-focused care. We also look at the stark divide between wealthy cities with growing hospice options and rural or migrant populations facing much greater financial and geographic barriers. Ultimately, the story asks whether China can transform end-of-life care from a privilege available to a few into a basic part of a humane and equitable healthcare system.https://www.economist.com/china/2025/06/12/would-you-want-to-know-if-you-were-terminally-ill