President Xi Jinping called for greater respect and support for medical workers while urging the establishment of a basic nationwide healthcare system be accelerated.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Thursday as a national commendation conference for health professionals took place in Beijing.

Following guidance from the Party and the central government, hospitals, institutions and other members of the health sector have made great contributions to improving the nation's health by advancing public medical services, Xi said.

Party committees and governments at all levels should provide more support for medical professionals by improving their working and living conditions, Xi said. He said respect and appreciation should be promoted.

Xi also said the basic healthcare system would be a strong step toward building a healthy China.

Premier Li Keqiang also hailed medical professionals for their work ethic and delicate skills, stressing that the health sector should deepen the reform to provide equitable medical services.

According to the National Health and Family Planning Commission, more than 2,300 public hospitals nationwide participated in pilot healthcare reforms to better allocate medical resources and improve the efficiency and quality of services while limiting costs to patients.

Wang Jun, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Peking University People's Hospital, said he was motivated by the top leadership's care and support.

"It's really a big encouragement for us," he said.

At the commendation conference on Thursday, more than 700 doctors and nurses were honored for their dedication in the medical sector.