Kickbacks are criminalized, doctors and pharmaceutical companies are panicked

After a three-year anti-corruption crackdown in the pharmaceutical industry, professionals in the sector have received a stronger signal:

On April 10, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate issued the "Interpretation on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in Criminal Cases of Bribery and Embezzlement (II)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Interpretation (II)").

The "Interpretation (II)" is not solely targeted at the medical field, yet the healthcare industry has become one of the most panicked sectors-starting from May 1st, both public and private hospitals will face criminal penalties for bribery by medical staff, with any amount exceeding 30,000 yuan subject to prosecution.

Several interviewed doctors revealed that hospitals have recently issued internal reminders regarding the "Interpretation (II)," with some institutions conducting discussions with physicians in key departments. Currently, they strive to avoid attending unnecessary academic conferences and minimize contact with pharmaceutical representatives.