Home > PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES > MEMORABILIA > 2009 >

Oct. 2009
April 28,2015   By:Chinahumanrights.org

Oct. 1, 2009

Chinese President Hu Jintao on Oct. 1, 2009 called on the Chinese people to unite more closely to build a "rich, strong, democratic, civilized, harmonious and modernized socialist country."

History reveals that China's development has never been a plain sailing, Hu said, adding, "But the people who have their destiny in their own hands and are united will overcome all difficulties and obstacles and continuously make great historic achievements."

Looking into the future, China has "infinitely bright prospects," he told a rally celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

He called on the whole Party, the armed forces and people of all ethnic groups to unite more closely and make unremitting efforts for the grandiose goal of building a rich, strong, democratic, civilized, harmonious and modernized socialist country, realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making new contributions to mankind.

Oct. 2, 2009

China would cut prices for nearly half of its essential drugs by 12 percent on average on Oct. 22, said the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

Prices for about 45 percent of the essential medicines would go down by 12 percent on average.

Prices for about 49 percent of the essential medicines would remain unchanged. Prices for about six percent of the medicines in shortage would be raised.

The move aimed to reduce the overall prices of essential drugs to relieve people's burden and to encourage enterprises to provide quality medicines.

Producers or retailers could set essential medicines prices based on market demand, but they should be no higher than the reference retail prices, said the official who declined to be named.

The price reform would involve 296 kinds or 2,349 specific medicines and influence about 3,000 medicine producers.