Seeing a doctor is known to be an expensive and difficult affair in China.

As the country aims to refine its health care system, an article published in the ‘Beijing News’ tries to identify the causes behind the current situation.

The author says uneven distribution of hospitals makes it difficult for some patients to receive medical service.

Many people choose to travel far to see a doctor in a special hospital that is reputable for curing specific diseases.

The author also points out that some big hospitals just focus on increasing the quantity of patients they attract, while neglecting the quality of their medical services.

In some hospitals, doctors are required to spend less than 8 minutes on each out-patient, which makes it impossible for doctors and patients to have a detailed communication.

Meanwhile, the author says soaring medical fee is another headache for patients.

Limited medical insurance coverage leaves some families with no access to affordable hospitals.

The author adds the prices of some medical services are unreasonable. Expensive medicines and check-up fees increase most patients’ financial burden.