New law ensures drug addicts' rights to proper care

BEIJING - A new regulation to protect the rights of drug addicts in compulsory rehabilitation centers was launched on Monday, amid rising concerns about preventable deaths of drug abusers during detoxification.

The new regulation issued by the Ministry of Public Security replaced the old regulation promulgated in 2000, in a bid to introduce all-round protection for drug addicts and improve the management of rehabilitation centers.

The regulation outlawed forced work for drug addicts and, if they are willing to work, their health condition has to be considered and they cannot work for more than six hours a day.