40,000 punished in China’s medical corruption crackdown, including over 350 top figures

Anti-corruption campaign brings down senior health officials, hospital directors, academics, and pharmaceutical company executives

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China’s anti-corruption efforts in the medical sector have intensified over the past two years due to public outrage over misconduct and unethical practices. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 5:00pm, 1 Jan 2025

More than 350 prominent figures in China’s healthcare industry were punished in last year’s anti-corruption campaign as Beijing doubled down on its sweeping crackdown.

According to a report from the National Supervisory Commission (NSC), China’s top anti-corruption watchdog, Beijing has worked to “thoroughly investigate” cases in which healthcare professionals exploit medical services and misuse insurance funds.

It has also taken strong action against unethical practices in the industry, such as kickbacks and accepting bribes, according to the report.

The NSC delivered the report to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, China’s top legislative body, on December 22.

Last year, there were 52,000 medical corruption cases filed nationwide, with 40,000 people punished and 2,634 referred for prosecution, the NSC report said.

China’s anti-corruption efforts in the medical sector have intensified over the past two years due to public outrage over misconduct and unethical practices.

Recognising systemic issues such as the misuse of medical insurance funds and pharmaceutical kickbacks, Beijing has implemented rigorous regulatory measures and carried out wide-ranging investigations targeting corruption in the industry at every level.