As a special group under specific historical conditions, the "barefoot doctor " is a practical exploration to solve rural health problems and has made a historic contribution to the Healthy China initiative. This historic contribution is mainly reflected in the fact that the barefoot doctor can take root in the grassroots to solve the health problems of the people in rural areas, which accumulate valuable experience for the Healthy China initiative.The barefoot doctor forged the "barefoot doctor spirit" to provide spiritual motivation and value guidance for the Healthy China initiative.Barefoot doctors' historic initiative opens up a practical path for Healthy China initiative. Entering the new era, in the promotion of healthy China initiative, it is necessary to deeply explore the ideological resources of the "barefoot doctor", activate its contemporary value, and provide useful enlightenment for the healthy China initiative.