The health and well-being of the population stand as a vital hallmark of a nation’s prosperity and collective strength. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Party Central Committee has elevated the protection of public health to a strategic, prioritized position within national development. Formulating guiding principles for the health sector in the new era, China has rolled out major policy decisions and strategic blueprints to build a "Healthy China." As a result, the nation has established the world`s largest medical care system, traditional medicine framework, disease prevention and control network, and basic healthcare security apparatus, achieving historic breakthroughs and comprehensive advancements across the healthcare sector. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, made these remarks while delivering a keynote address at the National Health Conference held in Beijing on October 12 and 13.

President Xi stressed that disease prevention constitutes the most cost-effective, sustainable, and efficacious strategy for safeguarding public health. He called for thorough, meticulous implementation of root-level and foundational health measures, thereby solidifying the baseline of universal wellness.

Xi noted that enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services represents one of the core missions in advancing the "Healthy China" initiative. He urged the in-depth implementation of programs aimed at bolstering grassroots healthcare and public health infrastructure. Concurrently, he highlighted the need to optimize the operational scope and layout of healthcare institutions, ensuring citizens can access equitable, high-quality medical services conveniently within their communities.

Underlining institutional innovation, Xi stated that reform serves as a powerful catalyst for health sector development. Coordinated development, governance, and synergy across medical services, health insurance, and pharmaceutical supplies must remain the central focal point of comprehensive healthcare reform.

He underscored that universal health coverage is a shared aspiration of humanity. China remains committed to actively advancing the development of a global community of health for all, standing ready to collaborate with the international community to address major public health crises and continually uplift the health and well-being of people across the globe.

Furthermore, President Xi called for deepening healthcare cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), expanding and innovating foreign medical assistance programs, and sharing the institutional practices and success stories of "Healthy China" with the world to forge a broader international consensus.

Source: Xue, Foysal, Jinia | China Media Group (CMG)