We are grateful to The Lancet for the Editorial on violence against Chinese doctors (May 12, p 1764).1, 2 In the past two decades, the incidence and severity of medical disputes have greatly increased in China. We believe that the following could help end violence against Chinese doctors.

 

First, investment in health resources should be increased. According to the Ministry of Public Health, China, with 20% of the world's population, has a health expenditure that accounts for only 3% of the world's total.3 After the economic reforms of 1985, the Chinese Government contributed very limited finances to health. There were very few medical disputes before 1985 because most hospitals enjoyed full government funding.

 

Second, the health literacy of Chinese adults should be improved. The poor public understanding of medicine could be an important factor in communication barriers between doctors and patients.

 

Third, the professional ethics of doctors should be strengthened. According to Yin Dakui, Director of the Chinese Medical Doctors' Association, 80% of medical disputes in China are caused by the bad attitude of health care professionals, ethical problems, and poor communication with patients.4

Finally, the professional morality of media workers should be addressed. To increase audience ratings, some Chinese media workers write negative or even false reports of medical disputes.

We hope that the government, patients, doctors, and media workers reflect on their individual responsibilities to reduce the violence against Chinese doctors.

We declare that we have no conflicts of interest.