BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has sent greetings to medical workers across the country ahead of China's Medical Workers' Day.

Noting that medical workers are a vital force in advancing the cause of healthcare, Xi said since the COVID-19 outbreak, a great number of medical workers have raced against time and fought tenaciously against the virus at the frontlines.

They have made significant contributions in fighting the epidemic, and demonstrated the noble spirit of giving priority to saving lives with total devotion and ultimate love, Xi added.

Xi called on medical workers to adhere to the people-first approach, uphold medical ethics, strive to excel professionally and make new contributions to advancing the Healthy China initiative and improving people's health and well-being.

Xi also urged Party committees and governments at all levels, as well as the entire society, to care for medical workers and foster a sound social environment that respects the medical profession.