Reforming public health systems

China will reform its disease prevention and control system to improve the capabilities in pandemic monitoring and emergency response, President Xi Jinping said on Sunday.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while speaking with deputies from Hubei province at the third session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

What Xi says

Click here to view the graphic

-- The prevention of major pandemics and resolving public health risks are of great significance for national security and social stability, which should be planned from an overall perspective.

-- Prevention is the most effective and economic strategy, and the operation of disease prevention institutions should be improved.

-- The system of surveillance for unknown diseases and abnormal health incidents should be reformed and risks should be analyzed at an early stage.

-- The key to epidemic monitoring and early warning lies in timeliness and accuracy.

-- Coordinated efforts must be made in the response of hospitals, cooperation between regions and mobilization of personnel in emergencies.

-- Laws and rules concerning public health emergencies should be improved, and awareness of public health risks should be raised among all citizens.

-- A gale can pass through a small hole. The work of epidemic prevention and control must not cease for a single moment.