A municipal official says the average life expectancy of people in Beijing has extended 27 years to nearly 80, since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949.

A municipal official says progress in the city's public health infrastructure is the main reason for the change, reported China Radio International on Saturday.

The lower mortality rates of pregnant women and infants in Beijing are the same or better than many developed countries.

In addition, the hospitals in the city have advanced equpiment and good medical conditions. Enditem

(CRI.com September 18, 2004)