China: The development of the health system during the Maoist period (1949-76)

Abstract

The Maoist period (1949-76) is considered an outstanding stage in Chinese history for its improvements in public health and welfare. In particular, the decrease in infectious diseases led to reduced mortality rates and increased life expectancy. This success can be attributed to the policies implemented in the health-care system during this period. However, different stages defined this process. The aim of this article is to determine whether health inequality in China was evident and consistent during the whole period. To determine this, provincial data were drawn on to undertake a comparative study in the allocation of health resources in different regions. In order to understand the dynamics of the health system during this period, the article focuses on one province in particular, that of Henan. The findings indicate that there were variations in the distribution of health resources among provinces during the Maoist era. The available figures indicate that there was a general increase in health resources in China. However, this did not prevent Henan province from experiencing a great decline in its health system during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76). Future research must be carried out to determine whether the inequality of health inputs in China during the Maoist period was positively correlated with the inequality of the health outputs nationwide.