- Title
- The development of healthcare in China in the context of social and economic transformations
- Creator
- Gong, Yihong; Jiang, Xiaoli
- Date
- 2013
- Type
- Text; Journal article
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/70981
- Identifier
- vital:6670
- Identifier
- ISSN:2156-8960
- Abstract
- Healthcare in imperial China was predominantly covered by private practices using traditional Chinese medicine treatment. There were no national initiatives for health cover. Infant mortality was high, and life expectancy was very low. During the nationalist government era between 1911 and 1949, some public healthcare was established and hospitals similar to those in the West became available. Immunisation was accessible and infectious diseases were largely controlled. However, wars, poverty, and a severe shortage of trained doctors were prevalent. As a result, the child mortality rate remained high and people's life expectancy showed little improvement. After the 1949 Communist revolution, many changes were made by the Chinese government to improve the healthcare system. It was ideology driven. As a result of these changes, the life expectancy of the Chinese people has gradually increased. However, the economic reforms over the last 30 years have brought new challenges and opportunities to the healthcare system. The size of the Chinese population and increased inequality in the society are acute issues facing the government and the people. This paper reviews the development of the Chinese healthcare system and reveals social and economic changes in relation to this development. The paper seeks to provide an historical overview of the issues involved in the development of healthcare in China and to contribute to a better understanding of the Chinese healthcare system
- Relation
- The International Journal of Health, Wellness and Society Vol. 2, no. 3 (2013), p. 89-100
- Rights
- Copyright Common Ground Publishing
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- Medical care; Immunization; Poverty; Child mortality
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