Premier celebrates Medical Worker's Day

Premier Li Keqiang called for promoting reform of medical and healthcare systems, and giving full play to the major role of medical workers in this regard.

Li made the remarks in an instruction at a commemoration for the second Chinese Medical Worker's Day, which falls on Aug 19.

The premier also called for greater care, as well as respect from society for doctors, as they are the guardians of people's health and life security.

He said he hopes medical workers will carry forward the spirit of saving lives, sacrifice and boundless love, and strive to overcome major and difficult diseases and continue improving the quality of service.

In 2017, the State Council approved an application from health authorities to designate Aug 19 as the country's Medical Workers' Day.

Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan extended holiday greetings to the country's health workers at an event presenting advanced medical models on Monday morning, saying they have made great contributions to improving the hygiene of China as well as health of its people.

Medical workers should take the lead in promoting a healthy China and popularize health knowledge among the public, Sun added.