The contracted family doctor services (CFDSs) is a key action selected to be implemented to deepen the reform of the pharmaceutical and healthcare system, enrich primary care services, and achieve the strategic goals of health China. Moreover, the implementation of CFDSs is a main approach to better safeguarding people's health. To effectively promote the development of CFDSs, China has successively launched various relevant supportive policies, and the local governments have been actively exploring practicing approaches. So far, remarkable results have been achieved nationwide, yet there are still many challenges, among which implementation difficulty is a major factor influencing further promotion of CFDSs. We analyzed the implementation process of CFDSs using Smith's policy implementation process model, and identified many barriers to the implementation of CFDSs, such as lack of rule of law, low level of policy executors, insufficient incentives, and impact of policy environment. In view of this, we put forward the following recommendations on exploring innovative policies for sustainable development of CFDSs: designing top-level policy objectives for CFDSs development from perspectives of law and system, improving qualities and professional identity of providers of CFDSs, establishing mutual trust between doctors and patients, and optimizing the policy implementation environment.
