Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has underscored the importance of deepening reforms in the country's medical system and social security network so as to improve the livelihood of the general public.

During a three-day inspection tour in eastern Shandong Province ending Friday, Wen visited county-level hospitals and vocational schools, chatting with local farmers and primary school students.

Reform in the medical system should be conducive to the fair and rational distribution of medical resources and efforts should be focused on rural areas and grassroots communities, Wen said.

He called for putting people first and building a harmonious relationship between medical staff and patients.