The China-Japan Medical Conference is held on Jan 11 in Beijing. [Photo/china.org.cn]

The deputy head of China’s national health authority called for closer exchanges and cooperation in the health sector between China and Japan on Jan 11.

Ma Xiaowei, vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), made the remarks when attending the China-Japan Medical Conference in Beijing.

He said that over the past 40 years, the two countries have harvested fruitful results in health cooperation by dealing with their common issues and challenges.

Ma added that the cooperation between the two sides in chronic disease prevention and treatment is of practical significance.

China and Japan should use the conference as a platform to promote development in the area, he noted.

Co-hosted by the China Medical Association and the Japan China Medical Association, the conference attracted representatives from the NHFPC, the China Medical Association and the Japanese embassy to China.