China moves to curb misconduct in healthcare sector

The Chinese government has issued a document outlining key measures to curb misconduct in healthcare services and pharmaceutical procurement and sales.

According to the document, jointly released by 14 government departments, rectification efforts will focus on areas such as bidding for pharmaceuticals, high-value medical consumables, medical equipment, infrastructure and IT projects, as well as logistics and support services.

The document calls for improvements to the blacklist system targeting individuals involved in bribery in pharmaceutical procurement and sales. It also urges the strengthening of a record system for discredited entities.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to consolidate and build on the results of the nationwide anti-corruption campaign launched in the medical sector in August 2023.

Per the document, authorities are also instructed to systematically address irregularities in medical services by intensifying governance in areas prone to violations.

It also outlines key tasks including cracking down on corruption in the funeral sector, regulating online medical services, improving internal management within healthcare institutions, and strengthening supervision of medical ethics and professional conduct.