Health care services in the People's Republic of China (PRC) are changing as the PRC shifts towards a market economy and dismantles its cradle to grave social welfare system. Evidence indicates that decreased government support for the Cooperative Medical System, characterized by its "barefoot doctor" care providers is creating inequity in access to and quality of rural and urban Chinese. This inequity may be compounded by increased government support for national employment based health insurance for urban workers. The shift towards a market economy and in government support creates potential challenges and opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWD) in the PRC. Health care services were observed through participation in an occupational therapy delegation which completed a medical ambassador tour of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and Hong Kong in November, 1999. The delegation visited rural and urban hospitals and clinics which integrated Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine care. Access to health care for PWD is discussed with regards to cultural perspectives of disability and the role of the community in care provision. Information about quality of health care is provided with respect to training of health care providers and level of rehabilitation services. Implications for future development of health care services for PWD in the changing market based economy of the PRC are discussed.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant will: 1. Identify potential impacts of the People's Republic of China's(PRC)shift towards a market economy on delivery of health care services in the PRC. 2. Recognize disparities in access and quality of health care for persons with disabilities in the PRC. 3. Identify implications for rehabilitation program development and training of health care providers in the PRC
Keywords: Disability, International
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: International Occupational Therapy Leadership Forum
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.