An educational foundation has been set up at Shanghai's Fudan University to encourage more effective medical research and boost healthcare reforms and development.

The foundation is sponsored by the Fosun Group conglomerate, which donated 100 million yuan ($16 million) to the university.

In addition to paying for the construction of a medical research building, the fund will also support the future development of medical science at the university.

"Health is people's basic demand, and we should constantly improve the medical service level across the country, and try to build up a healthy China," Premier Li Keqiang said during the annual session of the National People's Congress earlier this month.

Promoting the further development of the country's healthcare sector has long been discussed, with experts noting that the government, healthcare industry and academic bodies should work closer to create more innovative ideas and help build up a healthier China

"So far, we have been working on the development of brain science, gerontology and other new disciplines so as to meet the increasing demand along with the society's progress," said Gui Yonghao, vice-president of Fudan University and also the president of the university's medical school.

"In the future, we will continue to strengthen the integration of resources and enhance interdisciplinary studies to promote cooperation between industry and academic research," he said.