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Any medical institution or individual refusing to admit patients infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) will be severely punished, sources with China's Health Ministry said Sunday.
The Health Ministry has ordered that all medical institutions should first admit suspected SARS patients and then transfer them to qualified hospitals without delay.
According to the order, individuals responsible for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases will be harshly punished for refusing to admit suspected SARS patients.
People failing to fulfill their legal obligations in the handling of infectious diseases may face criminal prosecution in accordance with China's Criminal Law and the Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases.
Health administrations at all levels should support hospitals by providing the necessary doctors, medicines and equipment, said the order.
(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2003)
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