BEIJING, April 10 (UPI) -- China's Ministry of Health has vowed to crack down on doctors who take bribes from patients and commissions on medicines.
At a national conference of medical professionals in Beijing on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Health Gao Qiang warned that unethical and illegal practices must stop, Beijing Youth Daily reported Friday.
Gao said the ministry would abolish the practice of doctors accepting "red envelopes" containing cash from patients to ensure they do their job properly. Patient complaints against such corruption run high.
Other problems include doctors taking illegal commissions on prescriptions, overcharging for clinic visits, imposing unnecessary check-ups on patients and negligence of duty.
The ministry will implement an educational campaign to promote good medical ethics. It will also set up complaint hot lines and strengthen rule enforcement. Gao said those who violate the rules would be suspended from medical practice.
