Eckehard Scharfschwerdt: 15 years as a doctor in Yunnan

New hospitals, modern equipment and health insurance for everyone, the Chinese healthcare system has come a long way. The physician, Eckehard Scharfschwerdt, witnessed the improvements first-hand while working in the countryside in the southwestern province of Yunnan. “Everyone can see that things have improved” he says. But he also points out that there is still a lot of work to be done. Trust in doctors remains low, unnecessary examinations lead to a waste of resources and despite the support of health insurance, a serious illness can still plunge a family back into poverty. In addition, a surge in the number of diseases of affluence such as high blood pressure and diabetes poses new challenges to the healthcare system. Eckehardt Scharfschwerdt shares his experience in the MERICS Experts Podcast.

Please note this podcast is only available in German.