The changing role of township health centres

Township health centres occupy a key position in the Chinese rural health system, providing a range of curative and preventive services and undertaking administrative duties. Through a case study of health centres in one poor rural county, this article shows that the performance of many functions declined during the 1980s. Many health centres are unable to compete for patients in the developing market for medical care. The performance of other important functions has been undermined by financial constraints. Discussion in China of policy options to address this situation focuses on whether investment in health centres should be increased, or whether the roles of health centres should change to reflect existing constraints.

Duke Scholars

Author Shenglan Tang Population Health Sciences