Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (1st R) presides over a symposium to solicit opinions from attendees of education, science and technology, culture, health and sports circles, as well as the grassroots, on the draft of an annual government work report and the country's 13th five-year plan for 2016-2020, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 26, 2016. Li will deliver the final work report at the annual session of the National People's Congress in March. [Photo: Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has placed emphasis on innovation and the upgrading of China's pharmaceutical industry.

He was speaking during the latest State Council executive meeting, at which he stressed that the top priority of the industry should be to improve the livelihoods of the people, and to better meet their increasing demands in relation to their health.

Premier Li noted that the industry's role as a driver of China's economic growth should always come second.

Li urged both authorities and industry insiders to combine the development of the pharmaceutical industry with the ongoing reform of China's medical and health system.

Premier Li Keqiang added that the pharmaceutical industry could only enjoy a healthy development by making sure people could gain access to affordable drugs and medical services.