During the past five years, China has made great improvements to its health services and the country's average life expectancy will reach 71.8 years by the end of 2000.

A report released by the State Development Planning Committee says that the government has strengthened its disease prevention work as well as the control of serious diseases.

The report also showed China is now among the low-birth-rate countries, achieving a good control over population increase.

Also, the Social Security system has been reformed, providing services including medical care, unemployment assistance and pensions for the elderly.

(From People's Daily)