Vice-Premier Liu Yandong called for greater efforts to boost the education of ethnic groups during a visit to the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Liu, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also urged the implementation of comprehensive reform of public hospitals at county level under the guidance of the Four Comprehensives promoted by President Xi Jinping; namely building a moderately prosperous society, deepening reform, implementing the rule of law and strengthening Party discipline.

Noting the development of vocational education in the region while visiting local institutions, Liu said the schools should cooperate with enterprises to better connect education with social needs and serve the nation’s plan to further open up with the Belt and Road Initiatives.

She also proposed promoting greater awareness in society for the contribution of vocational education and skilled workers.

During a visit to elementary and middle schools, Liu said education for ethnic groups should be further developed to fully ensure their right to education and to promote their traditional culture and provide intellectual support for the development of all the people.

Liu also visited doctors and workers at medical service centers. She stressed that the comprehensive reform should be pushed forward in all hospitals at county levels to build a more modern system of management.

She said that doctors in rural areas should enjoy better compensation benefits, pensions and training, as guaranteed in various policies.

Residents should be able to enjoy medical services near their home, she said, and proposed to gradually build a system that allows patients with chronic diseases to get treated by local healthcare workers.