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Journal of Public Health

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01-06-2012 | Original Article

The attitude of farmers to the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme in Northwest China one year after its introduction: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Chuangzhou Xu, Zhengbing Wang, Christian A. Gericke

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 3/2012

Abstract

Aim

The implementation of the Chinese New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) spread fast since a county pilot trial in 2003. The purpose of this survey is to guide policy-makers on how to improve the current national NRCMS policy.

Subject and methods

Cross-sectional survey of 1,978 farmers in 50 villages in Huxian Shaanxi Province on their attitudes towards the NRCMS administered door-to-door in 2005.

Results

Most farmers hold a positive attitude towards the NRCMS. However, they do not trust the scheme management. Farmers place more trust in village doctors rather than village cadres for fund collection. More than two thirds of farmers seek care in county hospitals directly, bypassing village clinics and township hospitals. Not all hospitals and doctors fully comply with the NRCMS rules, and supplier-induced demand is still widespread. More than half of farmers worry that the NRCMS is not sustainable. Importantly, the survey showed a high enrolment rate of 92% (95% CI, 91; 93) in a voluntary insurance scheme.

Conclusion

A number of remedial actions in health financing, planning and management to counteract the identified issues are proposed.

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Title: The attitude of farmers to the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme in Northwest China one year after its introduction: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chuangzhou Xu
Zhengbing Wang
Christian A. Gericke
Publication date: 01-06-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-011-0448-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The attitude of farmers to the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme in Northwest China one year after its introduction: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

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