Zhang Wenkang, male, Han nationality, was born in Shanghai in 1940. He graduated from medical school in Shanghai in 1962 and joined the CPC in 1966. During the next 25 years, he worked in various medical and administrative capacities in PLA affiliated schools and units, including deputy director and deputy Party secretary of the PLA Health Department.
Zhang served as vice-minister of the Ministry of Health and director of the state body concerned with traditional Chinese medicine during from 1993 to 1998. Before being appointed health minister in 1998, he headed several groups dealing with reagent certification, pharmaceuticals, and narcotics.
Zhang was elected president of the Chinese Medical Association in April 1999 and as honorary vice-president of the Chinese Red Cross in October 1999. He was a member of the 15th CPC Central Committee and is a member of the 16th CPC Central Committee.