Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, presides over the 27th biweekly consultation session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing on Dec 13, 2024. [Photo by Jiang Guidong/CPPCC Daily]  

The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held its 27th biweekly consultation session on Dec 13 to discuss accelerating the development and clinical application of innovative drugs and high-end medical devices.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presided over the session.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee has consistently adhered to the principle of putting people and life first, prioritizing the protection of public health in its development strategy, Wang said. 

Noting that the biopharmaceutical industry is a strategic emerging industry crucial to China's economic development, people's wellbeing, and national security, Wang called on CPPCC members to tap their expertise, conduct in-depth research and provide insights and suggestions through proposals, surveys and public opinion submissions, focusing on key issues including the research and development and application of innovative drugs and medical devices, tackling core technologies, and fostering high-quality development of the biopharmaceutical sector. 

Wang also called on CPPCC members to fulfill their duties, and deliver better healthcare resources and services to the public. More efforts should be made to enhance the global recognition and influence of Chinese pharmaceutical brands through international exchanges, he added.

Ten CPPCC National Committee members shared their perspectives during the meeting. They called for coordination of scientific resources, strategic technology reserves in the biopharmaceutical field, and robust mechanisms to support the development of innovative drugs and medical devices. 

They also highlighted fostering interdisciplinary talent skilled in medicine and pharmaceuticals, and promoting deep integration across industry, academia, and medical institutions, to facilitate the technological development, commercialization, and industrial application of innovative drugs and high-end medical devices.

CPPCC National Committee vice-chairpersons Zhou Qiang, Su Hui, Chen Wu, Mu Hong, Xian Hui, Wang Dongfeng, Zhu Yongxin, and Yang Zhen attended the meeting, while representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Health Commission, and the National Medical Products Administration provided updates.