Vice-Premier Liu Yandong spoke with recipients of the Florence Nightingale Medal and representatives of nurses before the coming International Nurses Day in Beijing on May 11.

Liu addressed all nurses in the country and praised their great contribution to the medical and healthcare industry. She said that the field progressed a lot with efforts from various parties.

Liu stressed that good-quality nursing service should be promoted for medical system reform. The development of grass-roots service should be strengthened to provide professional, safe and personalized nursing for the public. Multiple service supply should be increased, such as rehabilitation nursing, elderly care and family care.

Medical education and nursing education should be improved to cultivate more talent, and maintain stable staffing levels, Liu said. She also stressed protecting the rights of doctors and nurses and punishing illegal acts such as violence and disturbance at hospitals.