BEIJING -- More than 720 million Chinese hold electronic certificates for medical insurance scheme, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration Monday.

Issued by the national platform for medical insurance information, electronic certificates find use in several types of medical services and medicine purchase, said Huang Huabo, an official with the administration.

The certificate has been playing a positive role in improving service and containing the COVID-19 epidemic, Huang added.

China launched e-certificates for medical insurance in 2019 to provide online healthcare services.