Chinese medical doctors' salaries

Abstract

The recent letter by Tian, Hua and Chao [1] lamenting the low salaries of Chinese medical doctors deserves some comments. First, it is remarkable to see a letter-to-the-editor from the Second Military Medical University, which is run by the People's Liberation Army, a government organization. Such criticism of the Chinese government by another government organization would be unheard of in old China. Second, the better known specialists inChina can charge the patients if the latter request to be seen by a specific “consultant” doctor. The fees they charge can be sometimes quite exorbitant, especially if they are famous cardiovascular surgeons. Third, in the field of cardiology the foreign pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers often pay for the travel expenses of Chinese cardiologists going overseas to attend international cardiologic meetings. Unlike the United States where such practices are now forbidden, many Chinese cardiologists who otherwise would not be able to afford such international trips on their meager salaries are able to attend these international meetings in both Europe and North America [2]. Fourth, in China it is a common practice for grateful patients to give gifts to their doctors, which may range from a chicken from a farmer to aMercedes Benz automobile from awell-to-do businessman [2].