barefoot doctor

American  

noun

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

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barefoot doctor British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of barefoot doctor

First recorded in 1965–70

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

He was a surgeon, not a “barefoot doctor.”

From New York Times