In June, the director of a leading university hospital in China, Cheng Yingsheng, was placed under investigation for corruption, sparking concern among medical professionals in the country. This marked a challenging time for doctors in China as there have been several high-profile arrests of prominent figures in the medical field. However, this is not the only issue that doctors in China are facing.
The Chinese government is currently implementing a healthcare reform that has caused discontent among many medical professionals. Doctors in China have long felt undervalued and underpaid, with an average annual salary of $13,000, which is lower compared to other professionals in the country. Despite their low wages, doctors often work long hours with many exceeding 50 hours a week. This is compounded by the fact that there is a shortage of doctors in China with only 2.4 doctors per 1,000 people compared to an average of 3.7 in the OECD.
In addition to financial and workload challenges, Chinese doctors also face a lack of respect compared to their counterparts in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Trust in doctors in China is low and medical scandals are frequent leading to reports of patients physically attacking medical professionals. These factors contribute to a difficult and stressful environment for doctors in China.
Despite these challenges, some Chinese doctors are fighting back by advocating for better working conditions and pay. They are calling on the government to address their concerns and improve the healthcare system for all citizens.
Overall, the situation for doctors in China remains challenging as they navigate financial, workload, and respect issues while striving to provide quality care to their patients.