Shanghai takes aim at medical bribery

Companies offering benefits, people who take them subject to penalties

Shanghai has introduced a new regulation to crack down on bribes offered by commercial entities to doctors and other medical workers in pursuit of sales of drugs and medical equipment.

The regulation, introduced by the Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission, took effect on Friday. It stipulates that any medical worker who accepts a bribe totaling 5,000 yuan ($760) or above, or accepts bribes on more than two occasions, or who asks for a bribe, will face dismissal and administrative penalties, such as revocation of professional certificates.