Doctor stripped of medical license for sharing false formamide data

A doctor in Shandong province has had his medical license revoked for releasing false information that formamide had been detected in infant diapers. Several officials were also disciplined following an investigation, the provincial health commission said Thursday.

Earlier reports alleged that several brands of infant diapers contained formamide, an organic compound that may pose health risks. A joint national-level investigation, however, found no formamide in the products.

The commission, in its statement released on Thursday, said the doctor, surnamed Yu, had shared unverified test data with the media without confirming its accuracy. He also failed to obtain ethics approval or informed consent from patients, the commission said.

Yu was stripped of his medical license, barred from conducting clinical medical research for five years and demoted. He was also removed from his post as a specially appointed director at a local medical center of the Shandong Public Health Clinical Center.

The investigation also found problems with sample management and information disclosure at the clinical testing laboratory of the Shandong Public Health Clinical Center.

Five officials at the center were held accountable, including the Party secretary, director, and deputy director.

The officials were removed from their posts or subjected to disciplinary measures, including formal admonitions, criticism, education and warnings, depending on their respective circumstances.

The provincial health commission said it would step up efforts to improve training, standardize practices and strengthen oversight of medical institutions, healthcare workers, medical practices and medical research.