Public health is high on the agenda at China's two sessions. So how will COVID-19 affect China's public health system looking ahead? And what precautionary policies should be taken to tackle potential future outbreaks? CGTN reporter Su Yuting takes a closer look.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, China's national legislators and political advisers made more than 400 motions and proposals on providing insight and expertise in tackling public health issues.

Now they say it's time to translate these opinions into substantial policies.

Zhu Tongyu, member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and president of the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, is bringing proposals this year that are focused on upgrading the nation's public health emergency response capabilities.

"Our country has achieved a decisive victory over the COVID-19 pandemic, its public health system has proven highly effective. But there are still some weaknesses which need to be resolved. The major proposal that I bring this time is how to build a safe defense mechanism against disease outbreaks which have not been seen in a century," he said.

Speeding up core technological breakthroughs is also very significant, including big data, artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Modern technology plays a more important role in supporting disease monitoring and virus tracing, prevention and treatment, as well as resource allocation.

Zhu also emphasized the importance of public health facilities operations, saying there should be routine practices to better prepare for actual emergencies.

"A major part of my proposal is how our country can establish public health forts in big cities to secure people's safety when an outbreak occurs. And we should also run well of these pre-built facilities by nurturing talented trained staff and galvanizing them to focus on scientific research. More national resources and investments are also needed in this field."

The COVID-19 pandemic puts China's public health emergency response system in focus. Many experts like Zhu have been calling for improvement in the medical insurance and aid system for major diseases as well as related laws and regulations, and closer international exchanges and cooperation to make the international community more engaged in global health governance.

(Cover: Zhu Tongyu, member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center. /CGTN)