Govt tries to head off feared superbug

BEIJING - China's top health authorities are launching a special national campaign this year to curb the rampant overuse of antibiotics over fears that the practice could unleash an explosion of drug-resistant superbugs.

As part of the campaign, provincial health authorities will be required to conduct spot checks in hospitals and call for an immediate correction if they find antibiotics are being abused.

Ma Xiaowei, vice-minister of health, said the Ministry of Health will organize special inspection teams and conduct unannounced visits in medical institutions across the nation.