Chinese doctors conflicted over multi-site practice policies

Global Business

The proposal to have physicians practicing at multiple sites in China was conceived in 2009. It’s regarded as a progressive move to meet the growing demand for medical treatment in rural areas.

But while the idea might be sound in theory, it’s expected to encounter many practical problems. CCTV’s Shi Wenjing reported.

Dr. Pei Bin has worked in a public hospital for nearly 20 years. He once saw to 176 patients in one day that a personal record for him. But, two years ago, he left the public system and joined a private clinic.

Unlike Dr. Pei, most of his peers are still working in public hospitals, despite regulations which have been there for more than seven years. But they have their own concerns.

According to a recent survey, doctors in public hospitals are skeptical about this multi-site reform proposal for three specific reasons: medical disputes, personal development, and getting permission from their place of work.

The majority of experienced and talented physicians in China are employed by large-scale public hospitals.

The current physician practice registration policy requires physicians to practice only through the registered employer stated in their practice certificate.

As a result, it is not easy for some medical institutions to hire high-quality physicians.


Xi Chen on healthcare reform in China

For more on healthcare reform in China, CCTV America’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke to Xi Chen, an assistant professor of Public Health of Global Health, of Economics, and of Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Yale University.