Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday called on authorities to rely on doctors and nursing workers in order to push forward the country's medical reform.

Li made the comment when meeting with representatives of China's 1.7 million nursing workers here in Beijing.

Li thanked the nursing workers for their contribution in the relief work of last May's Wenchuan earthquake in southwestern China, and while fighting the A/H1N1 influenza which has sickened nearly 3,000 Chinese since May this year.

He said the nursing workers are an important and trust-worthy force which helps push forward China's medical reform, urging authorities to rely on and fully mobilize the nursing workers in order the further the reform.

Li also called on governments at all levels and the public to respect and provide more support to the nursing workers, so that they can better serve the people.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2009)