Targeted Enrollment of Medical Students for Rural China: Prospects and Challenges

Most countries are faced with the challenge of inadequate human resources for health in rural and remote areas. In China, approximately 41% of the total population reside in rural areas where there is a severe shortage of qualified practicing physicians. The Chinese government adopted a plan to strengthen the primary healthcare workforce by increasing enrollment of students from rural areas and providing free medical education. The purpose of this study is to examine the design and implementation of this plan in China, including its construct, outcomes, and challenges. Methods Three databases and Baidu were searched to find literature relating to targeted enrollment of medical students for rural China. Official government documents were also reviewed. Results Targeted enrollment of medical students from rural areas was implemented in 2010 throughout China. For example, under financial support from the Ministry of Finance, over 5000 5-year medical students per year were admitted from central and western China. Most graduates went to rural primary care settings to provide health services in accordance with their signed commitments to provide service as intended by the government. These medical school initiatives are faced with a number of challenges, including unfilled enrollment vacancies, low motivation to study among these students along with a reluctance to serve a rural population, and unguaranteed job opportunities. Conclusion Targeted enrollment of medical students and free medical education in exchange for obligatory services contribute to improve the allocation of physicians in rural China. However, there are opportunities to improve the design and implementation of these programs. This review of the approach taken in China may be informative to other countries in their efforts to address the shortage of health professionals in rural and remote areas.