Vice-Premier Li Keqiang has called for proper treatment of HIV/AIDS patients and the safety of medical staff after a patient was refused treatment in several hospitals.

Li said that the health departments should guarantee the rights of HIV/AIDS patients to receive medical treatment without discrimination, while ensuring the security of the medical staff, according to a statement released on the website of the Ministry of Health late Wednesday.

The remarks were made during a phone call Li made to senior officials at the health ministry after he read media reports about the experience of a 25-year-old HIV carrier known as Xiaofeng.

Xiaofeng was forced to hide his HIV status to receive lung cancer surgery after being rejected by two hospitals.

According to a regulation on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment issued in 2006, hospitals should not refuse treating patients simply because the person is HIV-positive.