Chinese President Hu Jintao said Sunday that fast expansion of a comprehensive medical service network and an innovative system are requirements for building a relatively well-off and harmonious society.

China should speed up the development of medical services in rural areas, promote community-based clinic services and deepen the reform of medicare and health systems, said Hu at a panel discussion during the ongoing annual session of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which opened in Beijing on Saturday.

The medical service and insurance systems shall be further improved to guarantee that common people can get timely medical treatment and safe drugs at reasonable prices, said Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Hu also called for persistent efforts for building an innovative mechanism based on science and technology.

He urged the entire society to promote a spirit admiring science and knowledge, which is indispensable for a nation's progress and prosperity.

The panel discussion was attended by members of Jiu San (Sept. 3) Society and Chinese farmers and Workers Democratic Party, two non-Communist parties in China.

(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2007)