One of the democratic parties on the patriotic united front led by the CPC, the CPWDP is mainly composed of intellectuals from health and medical circles. It was founded in Shanghai on September 1, 1930. Responding to the CPC's call, it actively engaged in anti-Japanese activities.

In September 1949 representatives of the CPWDP attended the First Plenary Session of the CPPCC in Beijing. It took part in drawing up the Common Program and electing the Central People's Government.

Since the founding of New China, the CPWDP has played an important part in the state political life, economic construction and health and medical undertakings.