Graduated from Medical Treatment Department of Shanghai First Medical College, 1962. Joined CPC, 1966.

Served as lecturer, chief of Diving Physiology Office, associate professor, vice president and director of Training Department of PLA 2nd Medical University, 1962-1990; deputy director of Health Department of PLA General Logistics Department, 1990-1993.

Appointed vice minister of Health and director of State Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration, 1993; chairman of Chinese Commission of Certification of Medicine and Chemical Reagents, 1994; honorary chairman of Council of China Pharmaceutical University, 1995.

Member of 15th and 16th CPC Central Committees.

Appointed minister of Health, March 1998.

Re-appointed minister of Health, March 2003.