Table 1.

“What is already known” and “what this study adds”

What is already known:	What this study adds:
✓Many studies show low quality of health services provided by village doctors.	✓This study shows low percentage of certified (assistant) physicians based on national statistics and field survey data in Changzhou.
✓Some studies are focused on shortage of and ageing in village doctors.	✓This study shows the status of participation of exam-targeted training and out-of-pocket expenditures.
✓Very few studies are on exam-targeted training.	✓This study provides suggestions on the content and methods of training of the village doctors.