A senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has called for the country to steadfastly maintain economic development while fighting severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Luo Gan, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during his inspection tour of central China's Henan Province from May 13 to 17.
Luo, also secretary of the Political and Legislative Affairs Committee of the CPC Central Committee, inspected schools, communities, hospitals, clinics, shops, research institutes, enterprises, rural households and health examination centers and talked with local people and officials.
Luo said the CPC Central Committee and the State Council had laid out a series of measures and requirements on SARS control which must be implemented.
He called for conscientious SARS-control efforts in all areas, and stressed the need for effective measures to prevent SARS spreading in rural areas.
He said all levels of the CPC and government departments should steadfastly push forward economic development and strive to realize the economic and social development targets while fighting SARS.
Luo also talked with front line medical workers at the No. 6 Hospital of Zhengzhou, capital of Henan, by videophone and extended his cordial greetings.
He urged officials to show special care for the health of medical workers and their families.
(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2003)
