Third, the demand for medical goods has increased. Consumer expenditure on these goods more than doubled between 1982 and 1986 and by 1990 had reached nearly seven times the 1982 level. Hospital and general practitioner fees are paid by the state in China, so this growth in consumer spending suggests that the people are paying increased attention to their health, and have begun to buy expensive health-related products. As a result of higher incomes, dramatic changes in the Chinese lifestyle are occurring. Chinese consumers have begun to look for convenience, variety, and natural materials. Many of.
