Role of High-Quality Economic Development on Health in China

Abstract

China faces declining fertility, persistent regional health disparities, and rising mortality pressures despite economic progress. This study examines how high-quality economic development (HQED) affects fertility and mortality using panel data from 31 provinces between 2013 and 2022. System GMM results show that HQED significantly increases fertility and reduces mortality, with more potent effects in central–western regions. Innovation, green governance, and welfare expansion drive most improvements. Policy should prioritise pollution reduction, expand childcare and health insurance subsidies, and channel HQED-related fiscal support toward lagging central–western provinces to maximize demographic resilience and accelerate convergence in population health outcomes.