Chinese president visits Anhui province

WATCH VIDEO

Hu Jintao also asked if they got new homes and could resume their livelihoods after the evacuations. He also asked about the implementation of the government's disaster relief policies.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (3rd R) talks with a villager during his inspection to the Wangjiaba Town in Funan County, east China''s Anhui Province, Jan. 12, 2008. Hu made an inspection tour to Anhui from Jan. 11 to 14. (Xinhua Photo)

In his conversation with locals, Hu Jintao announced central government's new policy on rural medical care.

Hu Jintao said, "After the New Year, the central government decided to increase the government subsidy for medical care from 40 to 80 yuan. So the government will pay 80 yuan out of every 100 yuan for farmers' medical care insurance premiums. In this way, the standard for rural medical care will be raised. Farmers complain that it is difficult to see doctors, and they can't afford to go to hospital. This problem can be solved, if the government pays the majority of medical care costs."

President Hu jintao also sampled water from newly-established pipes to test the water quality.

Before leaving, he reiterated the importance of ensuring good lives for flood-affected farmers.

Hu Jintao said, "The local government must help double check to ensure people are well taken care of, especially families in financial difficulties. For families with difficulties, we must try our best to help them. We must let them know that the Party and the government care about them."

In the province's major agricultural area, Hu Jintao says maintaining the current grain production area and improving farm technology are key for ensuring the country's food security.

Hu then went to provincial capital Hefei to inspect local community services. He visited the home of a role model laborer and asked about his living conditions.

Hu Jintao said, "You are an model worker. We have arranged this special trip to your house. For several decades, you have worked in an ordinary job, but you have made great contributions. You and all the other thousands of model workers have given outstanding service to the economic development of this country. The CPC and the government will never forget you. Every time I arrived at a place, I arrange trips to visit model workers and we can never forget them. We have stressed it many times to the party branches and local government that they should always respect and care about model workers. Now we are on the way to modernizing the country and carrying out the reform and opening up policy.,. and the spirit of model workers is still needed in this era. And we must try our best to help those with difficulties."

During his visit, Hu Jintao listened to the reports from the provincial government. He hopes local authorities will implement the Scientific Outlook on Development and build a harmonious society.

Hu Jintao also visited the Air Force of People's Liberation Army stationed in the province.

Editor:Zhang Ning