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Health sector reform: lessons from China
1Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, England, UK.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|August 1, 1997
Summary
China's socialist market economy transition led to rural health reforms, increasing inequality and costs. The government's strategy needs to better address provider behavior and contextual factors for effective health sector reform.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Health Policy
Background:
- China's transition to a socialist market economy impacted rural health services.
- Key reforms included decreased state funding, decentralization, and increased facility autonomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effects of China's rural health sector reforms.
- To evaluate the government's strategy for addressing reform-related challenges.
- To identify lessons for international health sector reform.
Main Methods:
- The study is primarily analytical, examining policy changes and their outcomes.
- It reviews the impacts of economic transition on health service delivery.
- It assesses the government's strategic focus and its limitations.
Main Results:
- Reforms led to increased inequality in health service access and rising medical costs.
- Preventive programs deteriorated in some impoverished regions.
- The government's strategy overemphasized revenue generation, neglecting provider behavior and contextual factors.
Conclusions:
- China's health sector reform strategy requires a more comprehensive approach.
- Addressing provider behavior, public sector employment, and local government finance is crucial.
- International experiences highlight the need for systematic health sector reform planning.