Guangdong launches inquiry into 'abducted child ID scandal'

Guangdong health authorities have launched a 10-month inquiry into the trade in forged birth certificates after mainland media reports that such documents were being used to provide false identities for abducted children.

Guangdong's New Express newspaper sparked the inquiry after reporting claims by a volunteer, who helps families of abducted children, that a rampant trade in fake certificates in Guangdong had made it too easy for couples buying stolen children to obtain new identities.

Guangdong's Health and Family Planning Commission confirmed it had launched an inquiry following the newspaper report.

It also said four staff working at a Tieyong township hospital were suspended after two doctors, specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, were allegedly found to have forged children's birth histories and issued two birth certificates.

The authority told all hospitals across Guangdong to carry out careful inspections when processing birth certificates.

It also asked telecommunications authorities to help reform online advertising involving the purchase of birth certificates.

The authority said its database, recording birth certificate information, would be improved, and shared with the police.