Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the financial struggles faced by pediatric doctors in a public hospital in Guangxi, China, due to declining patient numbers and reduced income, leading some to take on additional jobs like food delivery to make ends meet [2][4][11]. Group 1: Financial Challenges - The monthly income of pediatrician Jiang Yun is projected to drop from approximately 7,000 yuan in 2024 to 3,000-4,000 yuan in 2025, which is lower than his income a decade ago [2][11]. - The number of pediatric patients in Jiang's department decreased by about 20% year-on-year as of May 2025, contributing to reduced income [4][19]. - The hospital's financial strain is evident, with the leadership acknowledging significant debt and the need to cut costs, including salaries and medical equipment expenditures [4][23][24]. Group 2: Impact of Policy Changes - The implementation of a new DRG (Diagnosis-Related Group) payment system in early 2025 has led to a decrease in reimbursement rates for common pediatric conditions, further squeezing hospital revenues [20]. - Under the new DRG scheme, the reimbursement for pneumonia treatment dropped from approximately 3,000 yuan to under 2,000 yuan, impacting the hospital's financial viability [20]. Group 3: Coping Mechanisms - Many doctors in Jiang's department, including those with senior titles, have resorted to delivering food to supplement their income due to salary cuts [3][4]. - Jiang Yun has managed to earn an additional 2,000-3,000 yuan per month from food delivery, which helps cover household expenses and loan repayments [13][14]. Group 4: Broader Industry Trends - A report indicated that over 57% of surveyed medical personnel experienced salary reductions in 2024, reflecting a broader trend in the healthcare industry [13]. - The declining birth rate in China, which has dropped over 30% in the past decade, is contributing to a shrinking patient base for pediatric services [17][19].
你的外卖小哥,是一名儿科医生
经济观察报·2025-11-16 05:36