Premier Li Keqiang asked pharmaceutical companies to ensure the supply of basic medicines to meet people's demands during his inspection visit to Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Bioengineering Co Ltd on Aug 20.

Premier Li learned about the company's drug prices, production process, research and development, as well as the implementation of tax and fee cuts. The Premier also visited a workshop to inspect the drug production process.

A State Council executive meeting chaired by the Premier last week decided on measures to guarantee the steady supply of common medicines and stabilize drug prices.

During this visit, Premier Li asked pharmaceutical companies to shoulder their social responsibility while achieving good operations to meet people's needs and win wider market for their own development.

Healthcare is a promising industry that concerns everyone, said the Premier. He hoped pharmaceutical companies will continuously increase their R&D input to ensure medicine quality, effect and safety to assure and benefit the public.