Premier Li Keqiang urged further breakthroughs in medical reform to make the country’s medical service more cost-effective and more affordable.

In written remarks for a teleconference held on April 29 on deepening medical reform this year, Premier Li said relevant authorities should continue to ensure that basic medical services are available, improve services offered by medical institutions at the grassroots level, and set up a sound system of medical services.

The authorities should continue to reform the public health insurance program, the medicine distribution system as well as hospitals, and make greater breakthroughs in various aspects, including encouraging the private sector to open hospitals and reducing the cost of medicines, he added.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong, also leader of the State Council’s medical reform unit, attended the conference.

Relevant authorities should continue medical reform with courage as well as a practical and innovative manner, she said.