Public health in China is being affected by the country's urbanization and industrialization. (Photo : Getty Images)
Speaking for the first time about the proposed Healthy China strategy in a recently held top-level gathering, Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the significance of considering public health in the policies being drafted by authorities, China Daily reported.
According to the Chinese leader, "an all-around moderately prosperous society cannot be achieved without the people's all-around health."
The meeting was attended by the members of the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s Political Bureau standing committee.
During the meeting, the top-level officials agreed that "that health authorities alone cannot ensure a healthy populace, as there are many complex socioeconomic, policy and personal factors, such as the environment and education," the article noted.
Xi further emphasized that a concerted effort is needed to efficiently promote healthy lifestyle and foster the government's medical services and disease prevention strategies.
The president also delved on the complicated risks brought about by the country's aging population, urbanization and industrialization.
"If these issues are not addressed effectively, the people's health may be seriously undermined, and economic development and social stability will be compromised," he stated.
Authorities first proposed the Healthy China strategy earlier in 2015. However, details are being discussed.
China Preventive Medicine Association chairman Wang Longde said that the meeting marks a new era that puts public health on top of the national government's priorities.
Meanwhile, Premier Li Keqiang stressed out that more health resources should be allocated to China's rural and less developed regions. He also urged officials to provide greater insurance support to help lessen the burden of medical costs.
China has launched several public health campaigns to boost the said sector, including a system of family doctors being rolled out nationwide.
