An Investigation on Implementation Situation of Rural Public Health Services in Two Provinces of Midwest China

OBJECTIVE To analyze the implementation situation of rural essential public health services in two provinces of Midwest China.METHODS Focus group interview and field survey were employed to gather related information from the persons and institutions related to rural public health in both provinces.RESULTS We proposed a series of 27 public health service programs, including the fields of maternal and child health care, prevention and treatment for serious communicable diseases, management of chronic diseases.The overall implementation situation was good, however, some certain programs should be improved urgently.Most programs proposed should be paid out-of-pocket in both provinces.CONCLUSION Lack of financial and technical supports for rural public health were the crucial obstructive factors, therefore, the government should solve the problem of unstable financial support for rural public health and further promote the health education in rural areas.