China’s Premier Li Keqiang has vowed to take a more scientific, precise and efficient approach to prevent and control health outbreaks, and upgrade vaccines and develop new medicines to ensure enough supply for the public. Speaking at the opening of China’s annual parliament meeting, Li said that the country will continue to focus on epidemic control and medical treatment for the elderly, children and groups with underlying diseases.

The announcement comes after China faced a surge in COVID-19 cases in December 2021, which prompted the government to put a top priority on getting its most vulnerable vaccinated, including the elderly. While the country’s top leaders declared a “major victory” over COVID-19 last month, claiming the world’s lowest fatality rate, experts have questioned the accuracy of the data.

According to a report by China’s state planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the world’s second-largest economy will continue to increase the vaccination rate among the elderly and promote the expansion and upgrade of critical care resources. Beijing has been largely resistant to Western vaccines and treatments, having relied on locally-made shots. During last year’s parliament meeting, the government said the country would speed up research and development of vaccines and drugs.

China’s commitment to developing its own vaccines and treatments was highlighted in the NDRC report, which stated that the country will make continuous efforts to ensure the production, distribution and supply of key medical supplies. Major drugstore chains and internet platforms will play a bigger role in raising efficiency of drug distribution and delivery, it said.

The report also emphasized the need to focus on epidemic control and medical treatment for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with underlying diseases. China’s healthcare system has been under pressure due to the country’s aging population and rising healthcare costs, and the government has been working to improve access to care and the quality of medical services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a strong and efficient healthcare system, and China’s commitment to upgrading its medical resources and increasing access to care is a positive step forward. The government’s focus on developing its own vaccines and treatments is also notable, as it shows a desire to become self-sufficient in the face of future health crises.

China’s efforts to prevent and control health outbreaks in a more scientific, precise and efficient way will be closely watched by the international community, as the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that global health is a shared responsibility. The country’s commitment to improving its healthcare system and developing new treatments and vaccines will not only benefit its own population, but also have positive implications for global health.

Premier Li Keqiang’s announcement that China will continue to focus on epidemic control and medical treatment for vulnerable groups, upgrade vaccines and develop new medicines, and ensure enough supply of key medical supplies is a positive step forward in China’s efforts to prevent and control health outbreaks. The country’s commitment to improving its healthcare system and becoming self-sufficient in the face of future health crises is a positive development for global health.