A STRATEGY FOR HEALTH SECTOR REFORM IN POOR RURAL CHINA

China is engaged in a major debate about the future of its health serv ices. One reason for this is government's recognition that basic preve ntive and curative health services are an essential component of an an ti-poverty strategy. This article outlines the major issues a strategy for re-establishing effective services in poor rural areas will have to address. It argues that government will have to develop a systemati c approach to reform, that takes into account the economic and institu tional environment within which the health services function.