Li Dequan (Li Teh-Chuan ; 1896–1972) was the first Minister of Health of the People's Republic of China from 1949 to 1965.
History
Li was born in Tong County, Beijing. In her early years, she would take part in pro-democracy campaigns. Dequan later graduated from the Methodist Women's College and worked as a pastor's assistant at a Congregational church. She was married to Feng Yuxiang in 1924. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, she organized the "War-time Children Fostering Commission" and served as vice chairman. After the war, she founded All-China Women's Federation and became its chairman. In January 1948, she was elected central executive member of Revolutionary Committee of the Kuomintang. She joined the Chinese Communist Party in December 1958.
After the formation of the People's Republic of China, Li was appointed the first Minister of Health of the PRC central government and she supported legalization of abortion. She also served as chairman of the Red Cross Society of China. Her other posts included vice chairman of the China-USSR Friendship Association, member of the Commission of Culture and Education of the State Council, vice chairman of the China National Sports Commission, and vice chairman of the China People's National Commission of Children Protection.
Li also served as a standing committee member of 1st to 3rd Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and vice chairman of 4th CPPCC.
She died in Beijing in 1972.