Shanghai takes aim at medical bribery

Companies offering benefits, people who take them subject to penalties

Shanghai has introduced a new regulation to crack down on bribes offered by commercial entities to doctors and other medical workers in pursuit of sales of drugs and medical equipment.

The regulation, introduced by the Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission, took effect on Friday. It stipulates that any medical worker who accepts a bribe totaling 5,000 yuan ($760) or above, or accepts bribes on more than two occasions, or who asks for a bribe, will face dismissal and administrative penalties, such as revocation of professional certificates.

Accepting a low bribe even once can result in the loss of eligibility for promotion.

At the same time, the Shanghai regulation hits companies that offer bribes. Even one bribe offered in Shanghai, or two or more bribes anywhere in the country, can result in a ban on the sale of all of that company's products for two years.

The regulation also says that illegitimate benefits from drug companies, either in the form of cash, gift cards, coupons or entertainment such as travel, are also classed as bribes and are not allowed.

It also states that directors of departments involved in bribery cases will also be held accountable and face punishment ranging from public exposure for their dereliction of duty to position adjustment.