One country, two worlds – The health disparity in China

Abstract

As result of its spectacular economic growth, millions of Chinese have been lifted out of poverty, making China a model for impoverished countries. Although, for many, economic growth has led to prosperity, ever-growing disparities exist between those who have benefited from the economic advancement and those left behind. Massive gaps in development exist between: regions, urban and rural and social groups. This contribution is to develop a detailed understanding of the health disparity in China by examining the discrepancies in major health indicators. Current efforts to reduce the disparities, and its challenges, opportunities and global implications are also assessed.

Keywords:

• China
• disparity
• global health
• rural
• urban
• migration
• health care reform
• health disparity
• immigration
• rural health

Notes

1. Based on the nature and physical environments and socio-economic development, the rural areas have been grouped into four categories in the third National Health Service Research, where rural I is the most developed and IV the least developed. It's estimated that there was 50 million population (6.30% of the 769 million rural population) living in the rural IV areas. Type II areas are fairly developed areas with a total population of 240 million; type III areas are poorly developed areas with a total population of 326 million; and type IV areas are poorly developed areas with a population of about 50 million.

2. See note 1 above.

3. See note 1 above.