Authorities prepare to deal with shortfall

Faced with a severe shortage of pediatricians and the expected baby boom after the relaxation of the national family planning policy, many areas and regions are taking steps to deal with the problem.

Under a program released by the Health and Family Planning Commission in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, the city's medical school will provide training based on demand to ease the pediatrician shortage.

Under the plan, before students are admitted to college, they will sign agreements with hospitals or health authorities that will provide partial funding for their studies. Upon graduation, they will be obliged to return to the hospitals to work. Alternatively, hospitals may send existing members of staff to train as pediatricians.