Full coverage: China’s Leaders

During the meeting, Premier Li urged the devotion of more health resources to rural and impoverished regions, with greater insurance support to relieve the medical spending of patients.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a national meeting on health held from Aug. 19 to 20 in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Li called for efforts to support cutting-edge medical research, prevent excessive prescription and treatment, boost medical capacity at grassroots level, encourage health investment from social groups and individuals, reduce medicine costs and relax rules on market entry and talent exchanges.

Calling for "stable and sustainable" investment in health, Li said the government will guide financial institutions to offer greater support to the health industry and strive to make it a pillar industry in the national economy.