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Comparing the services and quality of private and public clinics in rural China

After 15 years eradication of the private health sector in Socialist China, private practice was restored in 1980 along with the market oriented economic reform. In recent years, however, debates on its pros and cons are increasing. Arguments against private practice have led to a ban on private practice in some rural counties. This paper presents the major findings from a study conducted in China, aiming at comparing private and public village health clinics in terms of quality of services, willingness to provide preventive care and over-prescription of drugs.