History of Health care in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 23, 2025

Health care encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases, illnesses, injuries, and other physical and mental impairments. It is delivered by a wide range of health professionals across fields like medicine, dentistry, nursing, and various therapies. Healthcare services span primary, secondary, tertiary, and public health domains, aiming to improve or maintain overall health and well-being.

1970: OECD Life Expectancy Gains

Since 1970, the average life expectancy across OECD countries had gained 10 years, reaching 80.1 years in 2011, exceeding 80 years for the first time.

1980: Worldwide Eradication of Smallpox

In 1980, the WHO declared the worldwide eradication of smallpox, marking the first disease in human history to be eliminated through deliberate health care interventions.

2011: Health Care Spending Among OECD Countries

In 2011, health care spending across the 34 OECD countries averaged 9.3 percent of GDP, or US$ 3,322 (PPP-adjusted) per capita. The United States spent 17.7% of its GDP which amounted to US$ PPP 8,508 per capita.

2013: National Health Interview Survey Findings in the United States

In 2013, the National Health Interview Survey in the United States revealed that skin disorders (42.7%), osteoarthritis and joint disorders (33.6%), back problems (23.9%), disorders of lipid metabolism (22.4%), and upper respiratory tract disease (22.1%, excluding asthma) were the most common reasons for accessing a physician.

2020: Healthcare Industry Accounts for 18% of US GDP

In 2020, the healthcare industry in the United States accounted for 18% of the country's gross domestic product, making it one of the largest and most complex sectors of the U.S. economy.