​Regulatory push in medicine urged after high-profile malpractice case

China will further strengthen regulation on hospitals and doctors and crack down on corruption in medical systems to provide better health services for the public, China's top anti-graft bodies said.

"'The black sheep' that damage the reputation of the medical industry should be eliminated and the 'woodworms' that gnaw medical resources should be dug out so as to preserve a clean and upright atmosphere in the medical industry, maintain the lofty images of medical workers, and protect life and heath," according to an article published on the website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission on Sunday morning.

The comment came after Liu Xiangfeng, 48, associate chief physician at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Changsha, Hunan province, was reported to have allegedly violated the law by conducting illegal procedures.

Liu was reported by netizens earlier this month to have conducted excessive medical treatments by exaggerating the severity of illnesses and conducting unnecessary surgeries, demanded high fees from patients through expensive therapeutic schedules and persuaded patients to buy costly healthcare products.

The Hunan Health Commission and Central South University set up an investigation team on Aug 19 and found Liu was suspected of breaking the law according to a notice established on the official website of the Hunan Health Commission on Friday night. Liu is under investigation by the Changsha supervisory commission, it said.

The article from the top anti-graft bodies said the public hopes departments not only investigate Liu but also figure out whether there was dereliction of duty in supervision or benefit transfer. It said those who challenge the bottom line of medical ethics should be punished, and loopholes in the system should be filled to respond to public concerns.

Discipline inspection and supervisory commissions will strength supervision on officials and cadres in the medical and health sector, crack down on illegal behaviors and demand strict accountability, it concluded.