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Hong Kong used to be a refuge for those fleeing political persecution on the mainland. Now it serves as a fallback position for panicked parents wanting to keep their babies free from tainted milk and faulty inoculations.
- People in high-risk groups encouraged to get an influenza jab to help ease pressure on the country’s health system
- But efforts are hampered by cost, lack of access and public concerns about quality
People are worried about double threat of coronavirus and influenza in coming months, but production constraints may mean drug makers cannot meet demand, says deputy director of agency in charge of vaccines.
Hopes that Chinese biopharmaceuticals will end up with viable vaccines and treatments for Covid-19 have sent share prices skyrocketing. Despite the run-ups, some analysts see them continuing to rise on government support and an early start in clinical trials.
The tragedy that rocked China’s infant milk formula industry 12 years ago destroyed many parents’ faith in domestic brands, paving the way for foreign companies to charge ahead
Case attracts attention from millions of people as investigators probe circumstances.
Police investigation finds nearly 40 people received the shots since January last year – before the drug was approved by the Chinese regulator.
After repeated scandals, people call for financial penalties for producers of substandard or fake drugs to be three times higher than government recommended.
Lawmakers move to restore confidence in domestic products as people are discouraged from heading overseas to get their children vaccinated.
Four officials from the China Food and Drug Administration, including former deputy director Wu Zhen, have been handed over to prosecutors for being ‘ruthless to the people’.
Two health officials sacked, third detained as clinic confirms that at least one child was given HIB rather than pentavalent vaccine.
Wuxi Biologics is in talks with three separate vaccine developers to manufacture their products in China
Case came to light when hospital worker took child to be immunised at local health centre and discovered oral vaccine was nearly a month out of date.
Draft legislation will impose toughest regulatory system to date, head of drugs agency says.
Changsheng Bio-Technology, which was fined US$1.3 billion for falsifying data and selling ineffective vaccines in July, becomes first company to face a possible delisting under revised rules issued by mainland stock exchanges.
Changchun Changsheng Life Sciences was found to have falsified production records in case that triggered public outcry and nationwide crackdown.
While the bout of Chinese soul-searching in the wake of the recent vaccine scandal is understandable, social science research actually shows a China with a healthy respect for modern cosmopolitan values.
