A top political advisor said on Saturday in Beijing that China needs to make a number of improvements to its healthcare system, including an increase in the number of family doctors. 

Liu Yucun, secretary of the Party Committee of the Peking University's Health Science Center and member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), suggested the promotion of a multi-leveled diagnosis and treatment system to strengthen development of the nation's primary medical system. 

Liu stated that since the 18th Party Congress in 2012, the issue of medical fairness has been partially solved through the adoption of a top-level design management approach. At present, he noted, there are sufficient large hospitals with good conditions in the cities.

However, the big hospital may not be the best approach to solve all problems. "We must have more contracted doctors and family doctors in people's neighborhoods to provide the most convenient and direct services," he said while attending the first session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, which will close on March 15.

He noted that the reform of health systems is a common problem throughout the world. As the largest developing country, China has made great efforts, but at present there are still many hurdles to be overcome.

"First, the growth of financial investment cannot catch up with demand and increasing expectations," he pointed out. "Second is the difference between social assessment and individual perception. Third is the imbalance of interests among different social groups."

Liu's suggestions further included accelerating the reform of the personnel remuneration system, improving the welfare and mobilizing the energies of medical personnel, and attracting more top students to study medicine.