BEIJING -- The latest draft law on the promotion of basic medical and health care stipulates that there must be necessary first-aid equipment or facilities in public places.

The draft law was submitted for its fourth reading at the bi-monthly legislative session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), which opened Monday.

The country needs to establish and improve the pre-hospital emergency system to provide "timely, standard and effective" first-aid services for patients in emergency situations, in danger, or with a critical illness, says the draft law.

The draft calls on medical and health care government offices and social organizations to carry out first-aid training and promote related knowledge to the public.

It also encourages medical workers and people trained in first aid to actively participate in emergency services in public places.

"The law is essential to promote the medical and health care development in China and ensure its citizens have access to basic medical and health care services," Cong Bin, from the NPC Constitution and Law Committee, read in a report to the lawmakers.

Cong stressed the importance of the law for building a "healthy China."

The legislative session runs from Dec. 23 to 28.