Table 1 Development history of CHWs in rural China

1951

China started in 1951 to train rural health workers with different titles (health aides, maternal and child health aides, and nursing aides).

1965

Chairman Mao urged more health resources should be allocated towards rural areas.

1968

The barefoot doctor program was introduced by the journal Red Flag as a national policy.

1976

First national conference on barefoot doctors for different provinces to share their experiences.

1979

MoH and other 4 ministries jointly issued Charters of the Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme, with specific requirement for barefoot doctors.

1981

State Council policy on compensation of barefoot doctors.

1985

MoH replaced the title of barefoot doctor with “village doctor”.

1991

State Council policy on PHC, village doctors played significant role.

1997

CCCPC and State Council health reform plan regulated the income level of village doctors should be no less than that of village officers.

2003

State Council issued its first and only law pertaining to village doctors to formalize its agenda to encourage greater development of village doctors in rural China.