Premier Li Keqiang gave instructions to prevent and control infectious diseases and serious epidemics, stressing that prevention is the priority while epidemics management should be coordinated with such efforts.

The instructions were given at a meeting that discussed public health and prevention and control of infectious diseases on Nov 26 in Beijing.

He affirmed the achievements China has made in prevention and control of serious diseases, especially in combating Ebola with zero domestic infection and zero infection among medical staff who were sent to assist Ebola-affected countries in Africa.

Premier Li asked related departments to draw from successful experiences and improve the joint prevention and control mechanism. The Premier also asked to create new ways and make more effort to improve basic public health services.

More emphasis should be put on the prevention and control of infectious diseases and serious epidemics in specific areas and groups, Premier Li said.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong, who hosted the meeting, urged to deepen medical reform and improve the capability to prevent and control infectious diseases.

Liu urged to boost the hierarchical medical system to improve service. Great importance should be attached to prevent and cure diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis, mental illness, occupational disease, cancer and hepatitis B in specific areas, she said.

The government should provide support for patients to ease financial burdens, such as basic healthcare insurance system, serious illness insurance, medical assistance and financial aid, she added.

She also asked medical departments to actively participate in the international public health management and the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases to improve global influence.