Equality and the right to health: A preliminary assessment of China

Abstract

In relation to the right to health, formal inequality and discrimination based on gender, race and certain other grounds are prohibited by law in China. Nevertheless, unequal access to health care between individuals and socio-economic groups are the result of discriminatory policies embedded in Chinese society and exacerbated by the transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. The current health system is not based on the principles of equality and equity, and therefore it is not designed to address the disadvantages experienced by some vulnerable groups. This contribution reviews Chinese concepts of equality; examines the legislative protection of healthcare equality in the country; explains the current health schemes, under the Hukou system; and explores uneven economic development strategies that have led to unequal access to health care during the economic transitional period.