TV reveals grim reality of life in China's hospitals

A documentary series depicts the daily challenges faced by members of staff, the simmering threat of violence and harassment, and mutual distrust between doctors and patients. Zhou Wenting reports from Shanghai.

On Oct 21, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, China's top legal chamber, announced that cases involving violence against medical staff would be regarded as extremely serious, and the nation's best lawyers would work on case reviews to ensure the rapid arrest and prosecution of offenders.

The announcement signaled the latest move to curb the abuse and violence that have plagued the nation's hospitals in recent years.