(ECNS) -- Four ministries have vowed to guarantee order in hospitals after disputes and management loopholes were found to overburden the already stressed medical system in China.
A joint circular by National Health and Family Planning Commission, the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Justice calls for hospitals and medical institutions to define clear responsibilities before paying money to settle a dispute.
It advocates keeping a list of malefactors who frequently harass or threaten doctors and medical workers without sound reason. The circular also calls for a real-name registration system to be strictly implemented along with other efforts to ensure order in hospitals.
Attacks on medical staff have been increasing in number and ferocity. Patients sometimes accuse doctors of rushing into consultations and prescribing excessive medicine, while doctors complain about overwork, low pay and being misunderstood.
The Ministry of Public Security will continue cracking down on violence and crimes related to healthcare, vowing that people who profit by making trouble at hospitals and then coercing the latter to pay higher settlements will not be tolerated.
Hospitals are also urged to improve security measures and better prepare for emergencies, according to the circular.
Cases involving death, serious injures or mass disturbance must be reported to National Health and Family Planning Commission within 12 hours.
