Firm support voiced for drive to weed out healthcare corruption

Timeline

Details of China's anti-corruption efforts targeting the healthcare sector this year:

Jan 9: The nation's top anti-graft body calls for a heightened crackdown on corruption that directly harms people's interests, such as those working in education, healthcare, social security, and care for the elderly. The decision is announced in a work report delivered at the second plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, or CCDI.

May 10: The National Health Commission says it will focus on addressing prominent corruption issues in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry in the rectification campaign this year. The number of ministries taking part in the annual campaign rises from nine in previous years to 14.

Early July: Ten government departments, including the CCDI, issue documents clarifying goals and tasks for the yearlong anti-corruption campaign targeting procurement and sales of pharmaceuticals, and provision of medical services.

July 12: A video conference is held by the 10 government departments to launch the campaign nationwide. More than 4,000 officials across the country attend the online meeting.

July 25: A draft amendment to the Criminal Law submitted to the top legislature for review states that offering bribes in the food, drug, education and healthcare sectors should be harshly punished.

July 28: The CCDI holds a video conference, calling for stronger efforts to be made in the fight against corruption in the health industry. The commission launches an online platform to seek opinions from the public on the culture of the medical industry.

August: Local authorities release their plans for rectification campaigns. Some regions set up hotlines to receive reports from the public on corruption issues in the healthcare sector. The rectification campaign will last through June next year.

Sources: National Health Commission, Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, National Commission of Su