NPC chairman Wu Bangguo is applauded after delivering his annual report yesterday. Mr Wu said the National People's Congress would make medical reform one of its major tasks this year.
He said the NPC Standing Committee would continue introducing legislation, including new directives related to the Labour Contract Law, Employment Promotion Law and the Social Security Law.
Last week, Premier Wen Jiabao said in his plan for 2007 that the State Council would speed the development of public health programmes, including a rural medical care system and the launch of basic medical insurance for urban residents to cover major illnesses.
In its oversight work, the committee will review the State Council's reports on energy conservation and environmental protection, food safety, protection of workers' rights, judicial reviews and building a new socialist countryside.