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 • Oct. 5, 2023

The government has been heavily promoting birth control and immunization against contagious diseases; the barefoot doctor is the grass-roots salesman of these programs.

From Time Magazine Archive

During a February luncheon in Hong Kong, Shan shocked the crowd by challenging Nobel-prizewinning economist Amartya Sen for praising Mao's "barefoot doctor" program as a sound way to provide health care to the poor.

From Time Magazine Archive

During a February luncheon in Hong Kong, Shan shocked the crowd by challenging Nobel-prizewinning economist Amartya Sen for praising Mao's "barefoot doctor" program as a sound way to provide health care to the poor.

From Time Magazine Archive