RURAL HEALTH-SERVICES IN CHINA - THEIR RELEVANCE FOR VIETNAM

Vietnam is the country which stands to learn the most by studying deve lopments in health in rural areas of China. In terms of history, cultu re and recent political and economic reforms, it shares a great deal i n common with China, but its reforms have lagged behind, giving it the chance to benefit from positive and negative trends emerging in its b igger neighbour. The Vietnamese will want to consider carefully such i ssues as the impact of current health financing systems in rural China , and the balance of gains and losses which have resulted from grantin g wide powers of autonomy to providers to raise funds and manage thems elves.