Hu Stresses People's Well-being, Health, Social Security

President Hu Jintao said Sunday that China must further ensure and improve people's well-being, promote the reform of the medical and health care system, and speed up the building of a full-coverage social security system.

Hu made the remarks while participating in a panel discussion with political advisors from the health sector and social welfare and security sectors at the ongoing annual full session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, the country's top political advisory body.

China needs to put ensuring and improving people's well-being in a more outstanding position, said the president.

On one hand, the government should play a leading role in solving the most pressing problems that are directly connected to the people, on the other hand, the whole society should be guided to carry forward the tradition of aiding the disadvantaged so as to make contributions to a better life, Hu said.

During the discussion, Hu also stressed that China should deepen the reform of the medical and health care system.

He said China should complete a social health care system to cover all the people, improve the basic medical system and grassroots medical institution system, and promote the reform of public hospitals.

On the social security system, Hu said China should speed up completing the system to cover both urban and rural residents so as to promote the system's sustainable development.

Moreover, Hu said China should promote the social security system for the disabled so as to ensure their equal involvement in social life and enable them to enjoy the fruits of reform and opening up.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, joined in the discussion.