The Economist Intelligence Unit expects that total healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP will rise gradually over the forecast period to 11.7% in 2018. The ratio fell to 11.3% in 2013 according to the OECD, the lowest level since 2008. However, it is forecast to rise slowly as the population ages.
We expect total healthcare spending to increase by an annual average of 3.8% in local-currency terms over the forecast period, to €373bn (US$47obn) in 2018. Growth in US dollar terms will be slightly weaker, averaging 2.7% a year, as we expect the US currency to appreciate modestly against the euro.
The proportion of the population aged 65 or older already exceeds one in five, and is expected to rise to over 22% by 2018. This will push up demand for treatment of conditions related to old age and for elderly care, and could heighten concerns about the sustainability of the public healthcare system.

Healthcare report 2

Healthcare spending 4

Healthcare provision 6

Pharma and biotech 9

Disease trends 11

Industry publishing schedule 12

中国科学技术信息研究所