Judicial procedures should be improved to facilitate the reform and development of China's public health, said the head of China's top court.

Zhou Qiang, chief justice and president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), made the remarks when attending a meeting on promoting the Healthy China strategy put forwarded by China’s top leadership.

Zhou said that good judicial practices can guarantee sound developments in this area.

"We should strictly follow judicial procedures and punish crimes which hinder people's health and lives," said Zhou.

Courts should also more effectively deal with medical disputes by diversifying dispute-solving mechanisms and advancing harmonious doctor-patient relationships.

Courts of various levels in China should have zero tolerance of violent cases towards medical staff, and foster a good environment for medical services.

Environmental adjudication should be strengthened to protect the "green water and mountains" that contribute to the building of Beautiful China, according to Zhou.

Zhou said that the Food Safety Law should be strictly enforced to safeguard public health.

As regards property rights protection, Zhou said that innovation-driven development should be protected by laws and regulations, adding that fake and poor quality pharmaceutical products should be eliminated, and commercial bribery and under the table price manipulation forbidden.

Zhou also called for judicial staff across the country to improve their physical and psychological health, especially under heavy workloads.

Through judicial reform, information construction, and improved and innovative working methods, the workload for judges can be relieved, noted Zhou.