BEIJING -- Chinese health facilities provided diagnosis and treatments for 8.18 billion patient visits in 2017, increasing by 3.2 percent year on year, according to China's National Health Commission.

The country saw improved quality of diagnosis and treatments, with a steady decline in the mortality of hospitalized patients for 16 diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cerebral infraction, according to Guo Yanhong, an official with the commission, at a news conference.

In the Lancet's newly released Health Care Access and Quality Index, China's worldwide ranking rose to 48th in 2016 from 60th in 2015.

"During the 12th Five Year Plan period (2011-15), 6 billion yuan ($ 937 million) of China's financial input benefited 1,231 key clinical specialties in 314 hospitals, with greater attention paid to grassroots facilities and areas in central and western China," Guo said.

Roughly half of China's county-level hospitals are now capable of sophisticated operations, including for brain tumors and on cervical vertebra.

"China will push forward coordinated development in medical technology and capability in various regions, and better control the health care quality via informatization and other methods," Guo said.