Beijing is embracing primary healthcare outside traditional structures, as local governments in Chaoyang and Haidian districts introduce private hospitals and clinics to services long provided by community health centers.

"We are planning to transform a private hospital into a community health service center. It is going to open in 2014, according to the plan," said Yang Hua, deputy head of the health bureau of Chaoyang district.

Two private clinics in Haidian district are also turning themselves into primary-care providers.