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 runs from Monday to Saturday.

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 draft also highlights the country's strong demand for professionals in mental health services and health care education.

The draft calls for more efforts to promote mental health education, psychological assessments, psychological counseling and psychological treatment services.

It also stipulates the establishment of psychological assistance hotlines for the public and the improvement of mental health services for key groups such as minors, people with disabilities and the elderly.

According to the draft, governments at all levels should strengthen health care education and professional personnel training, establish a system for releasing key information on health care knowledge and skills, and provide scientific and accurate health care information to the public.

The latest version of the draft also adds that schools must offer sports and health care courses in accordance with the regulations and encourages organizations to open their sports venues and facilities to the public.