China's Ministry of Health urged hospitals to be on the lookout for AIDS patients infected by SARS in a circular issued on Sunday.

AIDS patients diagnosed as probable or suspect SARS patients should be taken to the nearest SARS hospital for treatment.

Designated SARS hospitals which refuse to accept AIDS-SARS patients will be punished, said the circular.

The Ministry of Health issued the circular upon learning that certain medical institutions had refused to admit AIDS patients or HIV carriers.

The circular also listed specific conditions under which the transfer of AIDS-SARS patients would be allowed, as well as details on special medical prevention for such patients.