Recently, the Medical Reform Office under China's State Council along with the National Health and Family Commission and seven other agencies have jointly issued a guideline on promoting family doctor services. However, in reality, there are not many residents who have faith in family doctors let alone those who volunteer to enter into contract with the family doctors.

The research team at ANBOUND Consulting is of the view that the promotion of family doctor service requires a strong backup from the public healthcare system; the same cannot be achieved by merely publishing guidelines or setting targets.

Besides, many cities in China are facing severe shortage of medical resources and the family doctor service will not be able to alleviate the situation immediately.

In order to thoroughly implement health care reform, the most urgently needed measures include speeding up the state's investment in healthcare sector, improving the welfare of doctors and ensuring that the medical services are reasonably priced.