China uncovered 1,001 commercial bribery cases in its health sector in 2007, the Ministry of Health said here Friday, citing figures from a national teleconference.

The cases investigated involved bribery in the purchase and distribution of drug and medical equipment and medical services, said Li Xi, head of the team from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China stationed in the ministry.

More than 31.47 million yuan (about 4.47 million U.S. dollars) was involved in these cases, according to Li.

In China, some companies and individuals offer bribes to health officials and staff to secure contracts for drugs and medical equipment, in some cases substandard products, or for greater profit.

Illegal deals between health workers and drug sellers also contributed to rising medical expenses for individuals.

Vice health minister Chen Xiaohong said at the conference that the health sector must set up an independent system on the on-line procurement of drugs under the guidance of government to standardize the drug purchasing process and reduce prices.

So far, 20 provincial-level areas including Sichuan and Ningxia have set up this system, according to Chen.

In 2007, 14,046 medical institutions have been incorporated into the drug procurement system, involving about 85 percent of the total amount of drugs used by hospitals in the country.

(Xinhua News Agency March 22, 2008)