Table 1 “What is already known” and “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.