BEIJING, Aug. 19 -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Saturday urged the country's doctors to put the people and their lives above all else, and to more effectively safeguard people's safety and health.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his visits to Beijing's medical institutions. He visited frontline medical workers and extended greetings to the country's doctors on China's Doctors' Day.

He noted the benevolence and medical expertise shown by China's doctors, especially during the fight against the pandemic, and called on them to elevate the capacity and quality of their medical work further so that they can provide better and more efficient services for the people.

Liu urged all localities and government departments to show concern for the well-being of doctors, and to work together to boost the long-term sound development of the public health sector.