Stricter curbs are under way to check the rampant use of antibiotics by doctors and hospitals amid growing fears that overuse will lead to increased drug resistance.
The rules, to be drafted by the health authority, will hold hospital chiefs accountable for the use of anti-bacterial drugs.
The new regulations will, for the first time, divide antibiotics into three groups and link prescriptions with the class that each hospital or doctor belongs to.
'We will divide antibacterial agents into three categories: restricted, unrestricted and those under special management,' said Zhao Minggang, vice-director of the ministry's medical administration department. 'Having full or partial access to antibiotics will depend on the level of the medical institution. We will specify the level of access to antibacterial agents that different classes of hospitals have.'
The problem is common on the mainland, often because doctors can get more kickbacks for prescribing antibiotics. Some doctors also tend to rely on powerful antibiotics to achieve quick and effective cures so that they can avoid risks in prolonged treatment or conflicts with patients, but such actions exacerbate drug resistance.
The new system is also set to make directors of hospitals and institutions directly responsible for antibiotics prescriptions. It will also specify the obligations of drug affairs committees in hospitals.