MEDICAL workers in Shenzhen who take hongbao — red envelopes containing cash — from patients will be suspended from duty for up to a year or have their practicing certificates revoked, according to the new medical service draft rules submitted to the city’s legislature Tuesday, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported yesterday.

    According to the third version of the draft rules, medical workers shall not take cash, securities, payment documents or valuable gifts from patients or their family members. They shall not take payments from a third party for recommending over-the-counter drugs, nutrition products or non-medical supplies to patients.

    Those who violate the rules will be suspended from duty for at least half a year and up to a year. Serious violators will have their practicing certificates revoked.

    Some lawmakers mentioned that the previous draft rules had empowered the city’s medical doctor association to handle registration and regular assessments of practicing doctors, which may lead to the abuse of power.

    The new draft rules specify that doctors can appeal to the city’s health administrative sector or place charges at court if they are dissatisfied about the association’s work.

    According to the new rules, doctors and patients who have medical disputes involving compensation of at least 10,000 yuan (US$1,493) can seek help from mediation organizations and arbitration institutions or file lawsuits in court to settle disputes. (Zhang Yang)