Fight against corruption makes medical sector healthier

The vigorous anti-corruption campaign in the medical sector, which has been ongoing for a month, has gained remarkable momentum. While it should be emphasized that most medical workers do their jobs diligently, there are a few in the sector who try to take advantage of their positions for illegal gains. The fight against corruption is to root out these malignant elements to make the medical sector healthier.

There is public approval for the campaign under which about 180 hospital directors and administrators and several pharmaceutical executives are under investigation. For far too long, the corruption in the healthcare system has been a source of discontent, compounded by the longstanding issues of limited access to medical care and the high costs of treatment.

A recent video conference, jointly convened by the National Health Commission, and nine other departments, underscored the importance of a comprehensive, year-long campaign to eradicate corruption in the pharmaceutical sector. The meeting emphasized the need for an all-encompassing and rigorous approach to reform, firmly establishing the principles of "no tolerance for corruption, no room for corruption, and no desire for corruption."

As the National Health Commission highlighted, corruption remains a sickness in the medical sector. Recent cases involving a few individuals in pivotal roles have exposed abuses of power, embezzlement, bribery, and graft. Such malpractices not only hinder the proper working of the medical, insurance, and pharmaceutical systems but also tarnish the reputation of the industries, impacting the well-being of the many who toil with integrity in the healthcare sector.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, by the end of 2022, China had approximately 4.4 million licensed physicians and assistant practitioners. Most of whom work hard for the public’s good despite their relatively low pay. Compared to their counterparts in the United States, Chinese healthcare workers earn relatively less, while working for longer hours. The China Statistical Yearbook 2021 says the average annual wage in the Health and Social Work sector is 115,000 yuan (about $15,797). In contrast, the 2023 Medscape Physician Compensation Report says the average annual income of physicians in the US is $352,000.

The dedication of the vast majority of healthcare workers to the well-being of others was clearly demonstrated by the sacrifices they made in wholeheartedly serving the public during the arduous battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

To effectively eradicate corruption in the healthcare sector, the authorities need to address the systemic issues in the current medical system that give space for corruption and establish rigorous mechanisms of oversight. But it should be borne in mind by the authorities that the root cause of corruption does not lie solely in inadequate income but also in the misalignment between supervision and professional ethical discipline. Improving the system and reinforcing internal regulations are both essential components of the anti-corruption efforts.

The release of the Key Tasks for Deepening Medical and Health System Reform in the Second Half of 2023 on July 24 underscores the ongoing commitment to strengthening ethical standards, advancing the construction of a sustained anti-corruption mechanism within the medical sector, and purifying the industry’s practices. This signifies the government’s resolute determination to combat corruption while solidifying a strong foundation for future healthcare reform.

In order to curb corruption, it is imperative not only to hold wrongdoers accountable but also to promote a culture of integrity in the medical sector. Through such efforts, we can ensure a brighter and healthier future for everyone.

The author is a writer with China Daily.