HONG KONG: The coronavirus epidemic has shined a spotlight on another simmering crisis in China's healthcare system: a critical shortage of doctors Rising demand for health care has far outpaced the increase in the supply of doctors. Between 2005 and 2018, the number of fully licensed doctors nearly doubled, but the number of hospital admissions nearly quadrupled, according to Chinese government data. Nearly two-thirds of Chinese doctors have been involved in disputes, according to the Chinese Medical Doctor Association , an industry group.In December, a man killed a doctor at a Beijing hospital after a disagreement over his mother's care. But some public hospitals threaten to fire those who moonlight elsewhere, one doctor said.Pay is another issue. And with all the evil attacks on doctors in recent years, there will definitely be fewer people willing to study medicine."

Source: Economic Times February 21, 2020 07:52 UTC