First published in 1983

Beginning with the period of the early expansion of Western missionary medicine, this account covers the chaotic years of Nationalist rule to the foundations of the People's Republic in 1949. It traces the major influences on health care since then and describes the conflicts of State bureaucracy, Party, and medical profession in their attempts to match political objectives in health care to resources available.

An outline of the theory of Chinese traditional medicine, together with detailed accounts of acupuncture and plant drugs, are also discussed, as are specific features of the health care system, such as population control, medical education, nutrition, and psychiatry.