BEIJING - The General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee has issued a circular requiring public hospitals to strengthen Party building.

The circular says the move aims to strengthen Party leadership over public hospitals, develop a sound modern hospital management system, and put into practice the Healthy China initiative.

The circular demands full play of the leadership roles of Party committees in public hospitals.

Heads of hospitals take overall charge under the leadership of Party committees, with the roles clearly defined, according to the circular.

It says Party committees are to play leading roles in deciding major issues.