By 2020, the mortality rate for patients with chronic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, will be reduced by 10 percent compared to that in 2015 for the 30 to 70 age group, according to a guideline released by the State Council on Feb 14.

The rate was also set 20 percent decrease of that in 2015, according to the medium and long-term guideline on preventing chronic diseases (2017-25). The document said the next four years will see prevention and control of chronic diseases significantly improved as the country aims to take all residents in all age groups under its healthcare management system by 2025.

Medical insurance and other assistance will be strengthened to ease the financial burden for patients, while the supply chain for medicines will be ensured, the document said.

Chronic diseases are conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity and arthritis, which are among the most common, costly and preventable health problems. By August last year, China had about 300 million people suffering from these diseases and conditions, according to the China Journal for Preventive Medicine.

The National Health and Family Planning Commission will work with other departments to carry out the guideline with joint inspection and assessment in 2020 and 2025, the guideline said.