Beijing will recruit general practitioners from rural households to feed the increasing demand for medical services in the countryside.

Starting this year, some 1,000 to 2,000 high school graduates from rural areas will study in medical schools each year to receive professional training, the Beijing News reports. After graduation, they will return to their hometowns to serve the local residents.

Chinese farmers have long complained of uneven access to public medical services and soaring medical treatment costs. The government has pledged to increase its subsidies for rural services, including providing more affordable facilities and qualified doctors and nurses.

Part of the government's favorable policies will include encouraging retired doctors and specialists in city hospitals to work in the countryside on the government payroll.