The serious shortfall in quality and affordable basic health services is an impediment to sustainable living in rural China. The mainstream western and modernised treatment-and-medication health approach has failed to respond in a holistic manner to health problems in rural communities. In the service of social needs, more innovative and appropriate technology should be employed. Among others, affordable and appropriate housing facilities are another basic service that needs to be addressed.

PCD programme foci are as follows:

• Enhance accessibility and affordability of community-based basic health services.

• Promote a holistic understanding of health, e.g. eco-health models.

• Encourage the use of appropriate technology, e.g. promoting ecologically sound housing models.