Xi calls for reforming public health systems

Disease control, prevention crucial for social stability, national security

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.

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, Xi said.

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.

China's health systems have played an important role in dealing with the novel coronavirus outbreak, but shortcomings have also been exposed, Xi said, adding that more reform measures are needed to plug gaps.