This Feb 4, 2020 photo, shows a medical staff member (right) collecting a test tube containing a sample taken from a person to be tested for the new coronavirus at a quarantine zone in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, in China's central Hubei province. (PHOTO / STR / AFP)

BEIJING - Chinese authorities have called for improving the working conditions and care for medical personnel at the frontline against the novel coronavirus pneumonia.

The govt circular also stressed punishment for those who harm medical workers according to the law

According to a circular jointly issued by the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, the payment of the allowance for medical workers should be guaranteed.

The circular called for improved humanistic care and a safer working environment for medical staff, as well as stronger publicity for deeds of outstanding figures among medical personnel.

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Noting that the epidemic prevention and control efforts are at a crucial stage, the circular stressed renovating doctors' offices, duty rooms and lounges, and offering better logistics services for medical workers.

While highlighting proper rest and strengthened individual protection for medical staff, the circular required efforts to minimize hospital-acquired infections, adding that psychological intervention and counseling should be improved to reduce the psychological pressure of medical personnel.

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The circular demanded financial subsidies be provided to front-line medical staff and epidemic prevention workers, and easy access to identify occupational injuries for medical personnel.

It also stressed punishment for those who harm medical workers according to the law.