国内英语新闻:Non-CPC groups pool proposals on social development

BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A group of non-Communist personages on Friday made proposals on health care reform, urban governance and other issues concerning social development at a symposium held in Beijing.

The symposium, presided over by Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is a measure to encourage members from various fields and backgrounds -- mainly those from non-Communist parties or with no political party affiliation -- to discuss state affairs and propose ideas.

Speaking at the symposium, Health Minister Chen Zhu, head of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, suggested that a basic law on medical treatment and public health needs to be laid down to deepen the country's health care reform.

Lin Wenyi, chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League said efforts should be made to transform the way of urban development and governance in the capital city of Beijing.

Yu called on those non-CPC groups to focus on the ongoing comprehensive reform in the country and put forward effective and profound insight on social development.

Ling Jihua, head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also attended the symposium.