The Institute undertakes research and teaching on social medicine, health economics, health policy and management.
Currently, there are 15 staff and 12 graduate students. The Institute has a close relationship with the Ministry of Health, Provincial Department of Health, Department of Labour and Social Security, Family Planning Commission, and other policy making government agencies. Funds for research were received from government research foundations and international foundations. Research undertaken in recent years covered topics such as health human resource development, health system reform, health insurance reform, cost-effectiveness of health programs, burden of diseases etc. Local and central governments have adopted many policy recommendations emerging from this research.