Despite the adverse effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on Beijing's economy, people's health and lives have a higher priority on the government's agenda, said a Beijing municipal official on Friday.
At a press briefing on SARS control in Beijing, Cai Fuchao, director of the Publicity Department of the Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said that, although the unforeseen epidemic is having a negative impact on the city's economic growth, "we have to face reality in an honest manner."
He indicated that economic growth is less important than the health and lives of the people.
Cai said mankind is the most precious of all creatures, and the protection of human lives is paramount.
"What we are focusing on now is fighting SARS and preserving people's health," Cai said, adding that the municipal government has not considered revising its economic growth indices.
The government has coordinated all tasks, including issues concerning economic development, and will make every effort to keep economic losses from SARS to a minimum, Cai said.
(Xinhua News Agency April 25, 2003)
