GP numbers will have to rise to achieve target

China needs more general doctors to ensure that people at the grassroots level will have better access to health and medical care, according to experts.

Statistics from the National Health and Family Planning Commission, China's top health authority, show that there are currently about 60,000 registered general practitioners in the country.

"That's far short of the number needed to extend the system to every Chinese citizen," said Du Xueping, head of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association's general practice committee.