Doctors must refuse kickbacks

BEIJING - Doctors will be required to sign written commitments of not accepting any kickbacks or gifts from hospitalized patients beginning May 1.

Hospitals will present this document to patients within 24 hours after they are hospitalized, said a statement from the National Health and Family Planning Commission on Thursday.

Patients will also need to sign the paper and promise not to give extra money or gifts to doctors, the statement said.

In fear of being neglected or receiving poor treatment, many patients are inclined to give presents or money to their doctors in exchange of favor. Sometimes it will involve a large amount of money when the doctor is famous and busy or the surgery is serious.

The move is expected to create a clean environment at hospitals and keep doctor-patient relations simple, the statement said.

Health departments will set up tip-off hotlines for those failing to do so and commitment papers will be kept in archives for future inspection, the statement said.