barefoot doctor

noun

1. (in China) a layperson trained to provide a number of basic healthcare services, especially in rural areas.

barefoot doctor

noun

1. (esp in developing countries) a worker trained as a medical auxiliary in a rural area who dispenses medicine, gives first aid, assists at childbirth, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of barefoot doctor¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Word History and Origins

Origin of barefoot doctor¹

C20: translation of Chinese chijiao yisheng , officially translated as primary health worker

Example Sentences

She was a teacher, a self-employer tailor and even a "barefoot doctor" - an unlicensed village doctor in China.

From BBC

China’s “barefoot doctor” system was one of the Communist revolution’s most notable successes.

From New York Times

He was inspired by his aunt, a “barefoot doctor” in Mingguang, a city in Anhui Province, one of the poorest regions in China.

From New York Times

Infant mortality was high and life expectancy low, and the “barefoot doctor” system that spread at that time brought down mortality fast, by introducing things like basic hygiene.

From New York Times

“I think I have it beat but only time will tell,” he said, noting that he contracted the infection in 1984 in China “when a barefoot doctor sewed up a head wound under less-than-ideal conditions.”

From Wall Street Journal