Transformation of a medical public space: between reforms and E-health.

Summary The purpose of this article is to highlight the changes in the Chinese medical public space that have occurred in recent years, both under the impetus of reforms and through new forms of access to care, including digital technology. The Chinese population has undergone three phases in the evolution of its health space. From the 1950s until the economic reforms, the health care system was built around local services. Depending on the seriousness of the patient, he or she was redirected to more equipped facilities with more qualified personnel. These health care facilities were all the more important in terms of size (number of beds) and medical personnel as the population density was high. The population had no choice but to respect this structuring of the health space. From the 1980s onwards, the health care space was disorganized under the effect of several factors leading to the disappearance and then the redefinition of this proximity offer. The cost of care, which had previously been virtually free, followed a dizzying curve of increase. At the same time, the level of quality has also improved.