On Oct 19, the Committee on Education, Science, Health and Sports of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held a symposium in Beijing for CPPCC members from the medicine and health sector to study and implement the guiding principles of the national health meeting.

Shen Yueyue, vice-chairwoman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended the symposium and delivered a speech.

Shen stressed the need to put the people and their lives first, follow a path with Chinese characteristics in developing China's health programs, and implement the guidelines for health work in the new era.

To build a Healthy China by 2035, Shen urged CPPCC members to focus on the key tasks for advancing the Healthy China Initiative during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), as well as major challenges and pressing issues of public concern. She called on them to draw on the CPPCC's institutional strengths and their professional expertise to conduct research, engage in in-depth consultations and deliberations, and offer practical, constructive policy recommendations, helping secure decisive progress in advancing the Healthy China Initiative.

Shen also highlighted political guidance and more public service activities as part of the CPPCC National Committee's "serving the people" initiative. She called for promoting healthy lifestyles, guiding the public in adopting a sound understanding of health, and encouraging people to take primary responsibility for their own health, so as to build consensus and pool strength for advancing the Healthy China Initiative.

The members agreed that they would further strengthen their commitment to fulfilling their duties, focus on key tasks in building a Healthy China, address major challenges and issues of public concern, and respond to the public's urgent needs.

They pledged to conduct in-depth research, put forward high-quality recommendations, and help ensure the decisions and arrangements of the Communist Party of China Central Committee are earnestly implemented.

Chen Baosheng, chairman of the Committee on Education, Science, Health and Sports of the CPPCC National Committee, presided over the symposium.