Chinese President Xi Jinping called for more efforts to improve public health on Friday, two days ahead of the first Chinese Doctors Day.

The president expressed his appreciation and thanks to the service and dedication of medical workers nationwide in protecting the people's health.

More efforts should be dedicated to improving people’s health to build a healthy China, Xi said.

The Chinese Doctors Day, to be observed on August 19, was approved last year to mark the significance of doctors in safeguarding people's health.