China closes 5,000 illegal clinics

BEIJING - China has closed 5,088 illegal clinics in three months amid a crackdown on illicit medical practices, the country's health authority has announced.

A year-long campaign began in October targeting unlicensed clinics and unqualified doctors, according to a National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) statement.

In the first three months, the authorities received 7,316 reports and complaints from the public, out of which 6,538 have been settled.

Health authorities at all levels investigated 30,462 cases of illegal practices and revoked licenses of 121 medical and family planning clinics for violations, the statement said.

A total of 964 cases have been transferred to the police for further investigation.

The police have investigated 767 cases and busted 22 groups.

Military departments have closed 46 unauthorized medical websites and investigated 13 people who posed as military doctors, according to the statement.

The campaign was launched by six Chinese authorities, including the NHFPC, the Ministry of Public Security and the health department with the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Logistics Department.

The statement said the six authorities recently issued a circular, urging better efforts to crack down on unqualified medical cosmetic services, including those carried out by unlicensed foreign doctors, as well as illegal fetal sex diagnosis and sex-selective abortions and the unlawful transfer of medical licenses.